http://peacecorpswiki.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Zoe23Peace Corps Wiki - User contributions [en]2015-08-02T18:46:50ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.22.6http://peacecorpswiki.org/Business_Plan_Development_SeminarsBusiness Plan Development Seminars2011-12-26T20:01:51Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Project<br />
|project=Business Plan Development Seminars <br />
|projecttype=PCPP<br />
|country=Panama<br />
|firstname=A<br />
|lastname=Burr<br />
|state=Texas<br />
|communityfunds=$486<br />
|communitypercentage=25%<br />
|requestedfunds=$1426<br />
|neededfunds=$1426<br />
|projectnumber=525-120<br />
|projectyear=2009<br />
}}<br />
Business Plan Development (BPD) initiative in Panama is derived from Project Design Management (PDM), a course with a format on how to design a project. BPD is business focused, for ventures seeking profit as opposed to projects where financial benefit is not sought.<br />
<br />
Funding for this project is necessary for execution of 2 seminars that will be held in late June through July of 2009. The seminars will teach the qualitative and quantitative aspects of making a business plan. BPD has a coordinator who acts as resourceful liaison between &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/LRCVw&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] public and private institutions and volunteers whom have entrepreneurial spirited community counterparts in pursuit of either starting a business or expanding an existing business. Participants will be assisted by Peace Corps Volunteers with computers in typing the necessary information for a participant’s idea/plan.<br />
<br />
The second quantitative portion of the seminar will be performed 4 weeks after the qualitative seminar is executed. Participants will be given specific instruction to seek information for the quantitative portion of their business plan. The second seminar for participants will be focused &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Camp_GLOW_South_Africa_2004&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] on creating financial data for their business plans and education on how to present the plan to financial institutions for funding/financing. The BPD coordinator along with CED APCD acts as a consultant to the PCV and his/her counterpart after conduction of the seminars in assistance to realizing funding/financing and providing relevant advice where needed.</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Camp_GLOW_South_Africa_2004Camp GLOW South Africa 20042011-12-26T20:01:31Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Project<br />
|project=Camp GLOW South Africa 2004<br />
|projecttype=Other<br />
|site=South Africa<br />
|country=South_Africa<br />
|firstname=D.<br />
|lastname=Craven<br />
|state=Washington<br />
|requestedfunds=$8480.00<br />
|projectyear=2003<br />
}}<br />
To promote a culture of Gender equality and HIV awareness a week-long<br />
camp for young women between the ages of 13 and 18 is being scheduled<br />
during the June/July school holiday for 2004. Women who are adults<br />
will be trained in advance to serve as counselors.These camp<br />
counselors will facilitate camp sessions, plan and conduct activities<br />
and subsequently serve as leader of youth clubs in their communities<br />
when they return. Camp GLOW will provide a forum for young women frim<br />
eight rural &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/LRCVw&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] communities to gain knowledge and skills that will empower<br />
them to take responsibility in area os social concerns in their<br />
villages. At comp, counselors will focus on development of increased<br />
self-esteem and, equally important, the ability to act outside of the<br />
constraints of gender &quot;expectations: in their communities. These young<br />
women will be given opportunities to explore leadership skills and<br />
decision-making. They will develop life skills which will provide<br />
opportunities in choosing careers, making responsible sexuality<br />
decisions, and skills with which to resist and analyze peer pressure.<br />
Social change, in which women have equal opportunities, status and<br />
expression is &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Cape_Verde&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] slow in coming to many rural communities. A lack of<br />
equality in relationships and other social arenas leaves women<br />
particulary vulnerable to HIV infection. It is hoped that the focus on<br />
lifeskills provided by Camp GLOW will lower the young women's risk<br />
behaviors for HIV and other social issues and problems</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Packing_list_for_BelizePacking list for Belize2011-12-26T20:01:20Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Packing lists by country}}<br />
<br />
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[Belize]] and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. The less you bring, the easier it will be for &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Brenda_Jaudon&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] you to travel to and within Belize. Do not do all your packing in one day. Fill your bags and then return later to reevaluate your decisions. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Belize. <br />
<br />
The climate of Belize is hot and humid most of the year, so bring lightweight and sturdy clothing that breathes (cotton or a cotton blend are recommended) and is easy &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/oj60r&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] to hand-wash and line-dry. Because it can get cool during the winter months at higher elevations, bring a few clothing items to layer. Lightweight rain gear is helpful during the many rainy days that occur during the wet season. <br />
<br />
Because clothes generally have to be washed in cold water with strong detergents, clothes tend to wear out quickly. As many Belizeans iron their clothes, you may want to purchase an iron and ironing board after settling in to your site. <br />
<br />
Although you can buy almost anything in Belize, cosmetics, toiletries, clothes, and shoes—many of which are imported from the United States—are expensive. <br />
<br />
===General Clothing===<br />
<br />
===For Women===<br />
<br />
* Lightweight jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt <br />
* Lightweight poncho or raincoat <br />
* Eight to 10 lightweight, loose-fitting skirts or dresses <br />
* One nice outfit for special occasions <br />
* Eight to 10 lightweight blouses or other tops <br />
* Eight to 10 lightweight T-shirts (tank tops can be worn at home) <br />
* Two to four pairs of loose-fitting khakis, slacks, or jeans with pockets <br />
* Four to six pairs of long, loose-fitting shorts with pockets<br />
* Two-year supply of underpants, bras, and socks and at least one half slip (cotton is best) <br />
* Sleepwear (lightweight, cotton, not see-through); bring one heavier item for cool weather <br />
* One or two swimsuits <br />
* Casual clothes for hanging out at home or for exercise <br />
* Hat or cap <br />
<br />
===For Men===<br />
<br />
* Lightweight jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt <br />
* Lightweight poncho or raincoat <br />
* Three or four pairs of slacks, jeans, or khakis with pockets<br />
* Three or four short-sleeved, button-down shirts <br />
* One short-sleeved dress shirt <br />
* Three or four T-shirts in light colors <br />
* Two-year supply of cotton underwear <br />
* Two or three pairs of long, loose-fitting shorts with pockets<br />
* Swimming trunks <br />
* Casual clothes for hanging out at home or for exercise <br />
* Hat or cap <br />
<br />
===Shoes===<br />
<br />
Shoes in Belize are very expensive. You will be doing a great deal of walking, so be sure that the shoes you bring are sturdy and comfortable. <br />
<br />
====For Women====<br />
<br />
* One pair of comfortable dress shoes <br />
* One or two pairs of sneakers <br />
* Two or three pairs of sandals appropriate for work or special occassions <br />
* One pair of sturdy sandals (e.g., Chaco, Tevas) <br />
* One pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots <br />
* One pair of rubber-soled flip-flops <br />
<br />
====For Men====<br />
<br />
* One pair of comfortable dress shoes <br />
* Several pairs of sneakers or athletic shoes <br />
* One or two pairs of hiking shoes or boots <br />
* One pair of rubber-soled flip-flops <br />
<br />
===Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items===<br />
<br />
* Two pairs of sunglasses. <br />
* Six-month supply of toothpaste, shampoo, soap, lotion, deodorant, razors, shaving cream <br />
<br />
===Kitchen ===<br />
<br />
* Pots and pans (which you can have sent to you toward the end of training) Miscellaneous <br />
* One or two sets of double-size sheets <br />
* One to three sets of lightweight towels and washcloths <br />
* One cotton blanket for cool weather <br />
* Electrical appliances (e.g., hair dryer, iron, coffeepot, wok, crockpot) <br />
* Surge protector (a must) <br />
* Umbrella <br />
* Inexpensive waterproof watch <br />
* Sturdy water bottle or canteen (e.g., Nalgene) <br />
* Camera, film, and silica gel <br />
* Rechargeable batteries and recharger <br />
* Walkman, radio, or cassette player <br />
* Swiss Army knife <br />
* Flashlight(s) with replacement bulbs <br />
* Travel alarm clock <br />
* Sewing kit with scissors <br />
* Photos of your home, family, and friends <br />
* Board games <br />
* Art supplies <br />
* Binoculars (a must if you are a bird-watcher or wildlife fan)<br />
* Sports equipment (e.g., snorkeling or fishing gear) <br />
* Bike lock, if you plan to get a bicycle <br />
* Guidebooks on the region, a Spanish/English dictionary <br />
* Personal checks (for obtaining emergency cash) <br />
* Daypack or other small bag <br />
* Lightweight sleeping bag (for visiting other Volunteers; the Peace Corps provides a mosquito net)<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Belize]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Living_conditions_and_volunteer_lifestyles_in_UgandaLiving conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Uganda2011-12-26T20:01:17Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Living_conditions_and_volunteer_lifestyles_by_country}}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Communications ===<br />
<br />
===Mail ===<br />
<br />
Few countries in the world offer the level of service considered normal in the United States. If you expect U.S. standards for mail service, you will be in for some frustration. Letters take a minimum of three weeks to arrive in Uganda if sent by airmail, packages even longer. Packages sent by surface mail can take six months or even longer. Some mail may simply not arrive (fortunately this is not a &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/LRCVw&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] frequent occurrence, but it does happen). Advise your friends and family to number their letters for tracking purposes and to write “Airmail” and “Par Avion” on their envelopes. If someone sends you a package, it is best to keep it small and use a padded envelope so it will be treated as a letter. Valuables should not be sent through the mail. <br />
<br />
Despite the delays, we encourage you to write to your family regularly and to number your letters. Family members typically become worried when they do not hear from you, so it is a good idea to advise them that mail service is sporadic and that they should not be concerned if they &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Business_Plan_Development_Seminars&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] do not receive letters from you regularly. This is especially true at the beginning, when you will be involved in an intense training program. <br />
<br />
Your address during training will be: <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Your Name,” PCT <br />
<br />
P.O. Box 29348 <br />
<br />
Kampala, Uganda <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Volunteers in Uganda are allowed to receive packages containing work-related clothing and household items without paying customs fees for six months after arrival. Duty may be charged on food, cosmetics, electronics, and other items not explicitly for work purposes. After training, you will be extpected to establish a mailing address in the community where you are posted. Let family know that the address listed above will be a temporary one used during your first few months in Uganda.<br />
<br />
===Telephones ===<br />
<br />
You are unlikely to have access to e-mail or international telephone service during training. International calls can be made in some of the rural regional centers, but connections are unreliable and the cost can be high. Uganda has mobile phone services, and most Volunteers purchase cellular phones here. However, even with a cellphone, having to charge the battery, pay for airtime, and find an area with quality network coverage makes phoning home problematic. It is advisable to make clear to your family and friends that it is not easy to call the United States from Uganda. They should not expect regular communications from you, at least not initially. <br />
<br />
===Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access ===<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps does not recommend that you bring a personal computer, since few Volunteers have housing with electricity. If you choose to bring one, it will be at your own expense and risk. Securing it from theft may be a challenge. <br />
<br />
Access to e-mail and the Internet is available at Internet cafes in Kampala, the capital, and in a growing number of towns outside Kampala. You are likely to have access to these occasionally, unless there is an Internet cafe near your site, which is rare. You probably will not have access during pre-service training. <br />
<br />
===Housing and Site Location ===<br />
<br />
During your service, you will most likely live in a rural area in very modest accommodations provided by your host organization, which will try to provide you with at least a bedroom and a sitting room. You might live in part of a Ugandan family’s house or in part of a house built for staff of a school or a community organization. It is unlikely that you will share your accommodations with anyone else unless you choose to do so. <br />
<br />
Living conditions vary according to the resources of the community or organization in which you are placed. Most houses do not have running water or electricity. You should expect to use a pit latrine and a kerosene lantern and stove. Most Volunteers hire someone to carry water to their house. The community may provide some basic furnishings, and you can supplement these with your modest settling-in allowance provided by the Peace Corps. At nearly all sites, the kind of privacy that most Americans are used to will be extremely limited. <br />
<br />
Children may be around constantly, demonstrating their curiosity about you. You will have to adapt to a more public life. <br />
<br />
As most communities and organizations have extremely limited resources, providing housing and furnishing is provided at a great sacrifcie. Sometimes there are delays in obtaining housing or furnishings. You might have to stay in temporary accommodations while your permanent housing is being set up. <br />
<br />
Although the Peace Corps staff makes every effort to collaborate with communities to see that housing is ready for Volunteers when they arrive at their site, you should be prepared to gratefully accept whatever the community provides, no matter how basic. <br />
<br />
===Living Allowance and Money Management ===<br />
<br />
As a Volunteer, you will receive a modest living allowance, paid in local currency, that will allow you to live on a par with your colleagues and co-workers. The amount of this allowance is based on regular surveys of Volunteers and the cost of living in Uganda. The allowance is paid quarterly into Volunteer bank accounts, so the ability to manage funds wisely is important. The current living allowance is equivalent to approximately $200 per month and is meant to cover the cost of food, utilities, household supplies, clothing, recreation and entertainment, reading materials, and other incidentals. You may find that you receive more remuneration than your counterpart or supervisor. <br />
<br />
You will also receive a leave allowance of $24 per month (standard in all Peace Corps countries), which is paid in local currency along with your living allowance. <br />
<br />
Current Volunteers suggest that you bring cash and credit cards if you plan to travel during your vacations. Only a few establishments in Uganda accept credit cards, so they are mainly useful for travel to other countries. The amount of cash you will need depends on the amount of traveling you plan to do while serving in Uganda (Volunteers earn two days of leave per month of service, excluding training). Some local banks offer ATM cards for local accounts. The exchange rate is approximately 1,800 Ugandan shillings to the U.S. dollar. <br />
<br />
===Food and Diet ===<br />
<br />
You will buy your food from outdoor markets or small shops, and you will generally cook for yourself. The local diet is basic but healthy, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, starches, and meats. There are likely to be some restaurants at or near your site, and imported food items can be found that, though expensive, provide an occasional treat. During training, there will be sessions on safe food preparation and proper nutrition. It is relatively easy to follow a vegetarian diet in Uganda after one becomes familiar with the local food. Most Ugandans will not be prepared to serve a vegetarian meal if you are a guest in their home, but will generally accept a sensitive explanation of your dietary preferences. <br />
<br />
===Transportation ===<br />
<br />
Volunteers travel primarily by foot, bicycle, or public transport. Public transportation to and from the nearest urban or trading center is available near every site, in most cases several times a day. Public transport is likely to be crowded, uncomfortable, and unreliable. To facilitate fieldwork, <br />
<br />
Volunteers are either provided with a bicycle or given an allowance to purchase one. Still, many of the communities and job sites Volunteers visit may entail a long and challenging ride particularly on the single-geared bicycles most common in Uganda. Volunteers in the Education must be able to ride a bicycle in order to do their job. Please come to Uganda with this as an expectation of your work. <br />
<br />
Peace Corps/Uganda prohibits the use of motorcycles by Volunteers because of the extreme safety risks that they pose. When using a bicycle, Volunteers must wear helmets (provided by Peace Corps). <br />
<br />
===Geography and Climate ===<br />
<br />
Uganda straddles the equator, which means that the seasons are quite different from those in the United States. Rather than a hot season and a cold one, there are rainy seasons and dry seasons. Rainy periods generally occur in November and December and in April and May. The climate around Lake Victoria is greatly influenced by the lake. As a result, rain can occur there at any time. Midday temperatures are in the 70s and 80s (depending upon the part of the country) in all seasons, but evenings are cooler and may require wearing a sweater or light jacket. <br />
<br />
===Social Activities ===<br />
<br />
The most common form of entertainment is socializing among friends and neighbors. Some Volunteers visit other Volunteers on weekends or holidays. Peace Corps encourages Volunteers to remain at their sites as much as possible to develop relationships with community members, but it also recognizes that they need to make infrequent trips to regional centers and to visit friends. Uganda has several rural radio stations, and many Volunteers bring shortwave radios so that they can listen to international broadcasts by the BBC, Voice of America, and Deutsche Welle. Some larger towns have cinemas as well. <br />
<br />
You will find it easy to make friends in your community and to participate in weddings, funerals, birthday celebrations, and other social events. It is impossible to overemphasize the rewards of establishing rapport with one’s supervisors, co-workers, and other community members. A sincere effort to learn the local language will greatly facilitate these interactions. <br />
<br />
===Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior ===<br />
<br />
Norms for dress are much more conservative in Uganda than in the United States, where we view our clothes as an expression of our individuality. Ugandans view dressing appropriately as a sign of respect for others. Wearing clothes that are dirty, have holes in them, or are too revealing sends the message that the people you are interacting with are not worth greater care. Dressing in neat, clean, and conservative clothes, on the other hand, can ease your integration into your new community and enhance your professional credibility and effectiveness in your assignment. <br />
<br />
Many Ugandan men wear jackets and ties in professional settings. Blue jeans, T-shirts, and casual sandals are not considered appropriate in the workplace, during training, or during visits to the Peace Corps office. Women wear dresses or skirts with tops in both professional and nonprofessional environments; short skirts and low-cut or sleeveless tops are highly inappropriate, particularly in rural settings. Male Volunteers must wear their hair short and neat. Volunteers doing fieldwork generally should wash up and change their clothes before returning to a public area. When riding bicycles, women wear skirts or split skirts/culottes. <br />
<br />
If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to <br />
<br />
Ugandan norms of dress and appearance, you should reevaluate your decision to become a Volunteer. Working effectively in another culture requires a certain level of sacrifice and flexibility, and the Peace Corps expects Volunteers to behave in a manner that will foster respect within their communities and reflect well on the Peace Corps. Behavior that jeopardizes your safety or the presence of the Peace Corps program in Uganda could lead to administrative separation—a decision by the Peace Corps to terminate your service. <br />
<br />
===Personal Safety ===<br />
<br />
'''RAWRRR'''As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (often alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Uganda Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal security incidents. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help Volunteers reduce their risks and enhance their safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Uganda. At the same time, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.<br />
<br />
===Rewards and Frustrations ===<br />
<br />
Although the potential for job satisfaction in Uganda is quite high, like all Volunteers, you will encounter numerous frustrations. Perceptions of time are very different from those in <br />
<br />
America. The lack of basic infrastructure can become very tiring, and social demands on your colleagues may mean that their work habits vary greatly from yours. For these reasons, the Peace Corps experience of adapting to a new culture and environment is often described as a series of emotional peaks and valleys. <br />
<br />
You will be given a great deal of responsibility and independence in your work—perhaps more than in any other job you have had or will have. You will often need to motivate yourself and others with little guidance from supervisors. You might work for months without seeing any visible impact from, or without receiving feedback on, your work. Development is a slow process. You must possess the self-confidence, patience, and vision—tempered with humility and the resulting respect for others—to continue working toward long-term goals without seeing immediate results. To overcome these difficulties, you will also need maturity, flexibility, open-mindedness, resourcefulness, and, most important, a sense of humor. Most Volunteers manage to exhibit enough of these characteristics to serve successfully. Judging by the experience of former Volunteers, the peaks are well worth the difficult times, and most Volunteers leave Uganda feeling that they have gained much more than they sacrificed during their service. If you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your community and to focus on the community’s interests, your service is likely to be a life-altering experience. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Uganda]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Burkina_FasoBurkina Faso2011-12-26T19:44:13Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{CountryboxAlternative<br />
|Countryname=Burkina Faso<br />
|CountryCode= uv<br />
|status = [[ACTIVE]]<br />
|Map = Uv-map.gif<br />
|Welcomebooklink = http://www.peacecorps.gov/welcomebooks/bfwb686.pdf<br />
|Region = [[Africa]]<br />
|CountryDirector = [[Shannon Meehan]]<br />
|Sectors = [[Business|Small Economic Development]]&lt;br&gt; ([[APCD]]: [[Daniel Rooney]])&lt;br&gt; [[Education|Secondary Education]] &lt;br&gt;([[APCD]]: [[Sebraogo Kiendrebeogo]])&lt;br&gt; [[Education|Girls Education]] &lt;br&gt;([[APCD]]: [[Zallia Mantoro]]) &lt;br&gt; [[Health]] &lt;br&gt;([[APCD]]: [[Claude Millogo]])<br />
|ProgramDates = [[1966]] - [[1987]]&lt;br&gt;[[1995]] - [[Present]]<br />
|CurrentlyServing = 97<br />
|TotalVolunteers = 1521<br />
|Languages = [[Bissa]], [[Dioula]], [[French]], [[Fulfude]], [[Gourounssi]], [[Gulmancema]], [[Jula]], [[Kurunfe]], [[Lobiri]], [[Lyele]], [[Mòoré]]<br />
|Flag = Flag_of_Burkina_Faso.svg<br />
|stagingdate= Jun 9 2010<br />
|stagingcity= Washington, DC<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Peace Corps resumed work in Burkina Faso in 1995 after an eight-year absence. Upon request of the government, Volunteers arrived to work in primary healthcare in rural communities.<br />
<br />
Two years later, the Ministry &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/LRCVw&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] of Secondary Education requested Volunteers to work with middle schools, high schools, a teacher-training college, and a university to make up for large shortfalls in qualified teachers.<br />
<br />
In 2003, the government and Peace Corps collaborated to start a small enterprise development project in microfinance and agribusiness. The girls' education and empowerment program began in 2005 in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps History==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[History of the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps entered Burkina Faso, then called Upper Volta, in 1967 and operated there uninterrupted for 20 years. Major projects included forestry extension, young farmer education, small enterprise development, secondary education (math, science, and English language), water well construction, agricultural and environmental extension, arts and crafts, basketball coaching, and parks development. In June 1986, the government of Burkina Faso asked the Peace Corps to cease sending Volunteers because the Peace Corps’ programs no longer &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Jerry_Shey&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] coincided with Burkina Faso’s development goals. The 30 Volunteers in the country completed their service in 1987. In 1995, 19 trainees arrived in Burkina Faso as part of a newly established health project. One year later, the Peace Corps established a secondary education project in response to the government’s urgent request for teachers. In 2003, in response to government initiatives and articulated local needs, a small enterprise development project began with 15 trainees. A girls’ education project started in 2005. Currently, nearly 170 Volunteers work throughout the country, primarily in rural areas. Approximately 1,500 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Burkina Faso to date.<br />
<br />
==Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
The government ministry to which you are assigned or your community will provide you with safe and adequate housing in accordance with the Peace Corps’ site selection criteria. The majority of health Volunteers live in small rural villages, while education Volunteers tend to live in larger villages and towns. Volunteer housing is typically a small house made of mud or cement bricks with a thatch or tin roof. Many Volunteers do not have running water or electricity; they draw their water from a well and obtain light through kerosene lanterns. Nearly all Volunteers are within one hour of a neighboring Volunteer and eight hours of the Peace Corps office in Ouagadougou by public transport.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Training==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Training in Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
During the first several days of training, you will stay at a training center or hotel in the capital. After this orientation period, you will move to Ouahigouya, a regional capital north of Ouagadougou. Trainees will be placed in clusters of four to five people along with a language and cross-culture facilitator. Health and girls’ education clusters will be located in villages a short distance from Ouahigouya. Clusters of small enterprise development and secondary education trainees will most likely be based in Ouahigouya.<br />
<br />
Trainees will be assigned to a host family where they will live for the duration of pre-service training. The host family experience, which Volunteers in Burkina Faso consider one of the most critical elements of training, allows you to gain hands-on experience in some of the new skills you are expected to acquire. Most Volunteers remain in close contact with their host families throughout their service.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of training, the training staff will outline the goals that each trainee has to achieve before becoming a Volunteer and the criteria that will be used to assess progress toward those goals. The training director, along with the language, technical, and cross-cultural trainers, will work with you toward the highest possible achievement of training goals by providing you with feedback throughout training. After successful completion of pre-service training, you will be sworn-in as a Volunteer and make final preparations to depart for your site. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Health Care and Safety==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Health care and safety in Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. The Peace Corps in Burkina Faso maintains a clinic with two full-time medical officers, who take care of Volunteers’ primary healthcare needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in Burkina Faso at local, American-standard hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to a medical facility in the region or to the United States.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Diversity and cross-cultural issues in Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
In Burkina Faso, as in other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics considered familiar and commonly accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Burkina Faso.<br />
<br />
Outside of Burkina Faso’s capital, residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Burkina Faso are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. <br />
<br />
* Possible Issues for Female Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color<br />
* Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers<br />
* Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities<br />
<br />
<br />
==Frequently Asked Questions==<br />
<br />
{{Volunteersurvey2008<br />
|H1r= 22<br />
|H1s= 75.3<br />
|H2r= 25<br />
|H2s= 85.3<br />
|H3r= 32<br />
|H3s= 84.9<br />
|H4r= 50<br />
|H4s= 102.5<br />
|H5r= 9<br />
|H5s= 59.6<br />
|H6r= 11<br />
|H6s= 97<br />
}}<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[FAQs about Peace Corps in Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
* How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Burkina Faso?<br />
* What is the electric current in Burkina Faso?<br />
* How much money should I bring?<br />
* When can I take vacation and have people visit me?<br />
* Will my belongings be covered by insurance?<br />
* Do I need an international driver’s license?<br />
* What should I bring as gifts for Burkina Faso friends and my host family?<br />
* Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?<br />
* How can my family contact me in an emergency?<br />
* Can I call home from Burkina Faso?<br />
* Should I bring a cellular phone with me?<br />
* Should I bring my computer?<br />
<br />
<br />
==Packing List==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Packing list for Burkina Faso]]''<br />
<br />
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Burkina Faso and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Burkina Faso.<br />
<br />
* Clothes<br />
* Women<br />
* Toiletries<br />
* General<br />
* Books<br />
* Food<br />
* You also might want...<br />
* And if you really like to bike...<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps News==<br />
<br />
Current events relating to Peace Corps are also available by [[News | country of service]] or [[News by state|your home state]]<br />
<br />
''The following is automatic RSS feed of Peace Corps news for this country.''&lt;br&gt;&lt;rss title=on desc=off&gt;http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&amp;ned=us&amp;scoring=n&amp;q=%22peace+corps%22+%22burkina+faso%22&amp;output=rss|charset=UTF-8|short|date=M d&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
&lt;br&gt;'''[http://peacecorpsjournals.com PEACE CORPS JOURNALS]'''&lt;br&gt;''( As of {{CURRENTDAYNAME}} {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}} )''&lt;rss title=off desc=off&gt;http://peacecorpsjournals.com/rss/uv/blog/50.xml|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
==Country Fund==<br />
<br />
Contributions to the [https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.donors.contribute.projDetail&amp;projdesc=686-CFD Burkina Faso Country Fund] will support Volunteer and community projects that will take place in Burkina Faso. These projects include water and sanitation, agricultural development, and youth programs.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Volunteers who served in Burkina Faso]]<br />
* [[Burkina Faso sites|Sites where volunteers have served in Burkina Faso]]<br />
* [[The Friends of Burkina Faso]]<br />
* [[Pre-Departure Checklist]]<br />
* [[List of resources for Burkina Faso]]<br />
* [[Inspector General Reports]]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
* [http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/uv.html Peace Corps Journals - Burkina Faso]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Burkina Faso]] [[Category:Africa]]<br />
[[Category:Country]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Indian_Church_Farming_CooperativeIndian Church Farming Cooperative2011-12-26T19:13:11Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Project<br />
|site=Indian Church<br />
|project=Indian Church Farming Cooperative<br />
|country=Belize<br />
|firstname=A<br />
|lastname=Webster<br />
|state=Illinois<br />
|communityfunds=7,748.00 <br />
|projectnumber=535-139<br />
|projectyear=2005<br />
}}<br />
The community of Indian Church Village in the Orange Walk District of Belize is requesting assistance in starting a small agricultural cooperative. Twelve local farmers have obtained thirteen acres of land in order to grow habanero peppers and onions commercially. These farmers need assistance in obtaining an irrigation system before they can successfully cultivate this land. The main objective of this &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/LRCVw&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] cooperative is to increase the annual income of the twelve Indian Church families involved in the project by collectively earning the estimated net per acre of habanero and onion that was set forth by The Belizean Department of Agriculture. To accomplish this goal the cooperative will work with The Department of Agriculture to install an irrigation system and plant two acres of habanero and two acres of onion. The income generated from this initial crop, along with the skills and knowledge that the farmers will gain by working with the Department, will allow for an increase in agricultural production in the future. The secondary objective is that as the income and know-how increases more families will benefit, either directly by earning money in agriculture production or indirectly by expanding their diet because of the increase in nutritious vegetables available in the Village. The project is &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Staff_consultants&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] meant to encourage nutritional awareness for the entire community and expand the local diet to include more fresh vegetables. This project is also the beginning of what should be a fruitful relationship between The Department of Agriculture and Indian Church farmers. The twelve farmers in this project will be working extensively with the Department of Agriculture to learn the skills needed to grow habaneros and onions successfully. These twelve farmers will then share their new skills with other local farmers and eventually expand production to other vegetables, with the continued assistance of the Department of Agriculture.</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Project_IdeasProject Ideas2011-12-26T19:07:16Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>===Map Projects===<br />
[http://mappc.org Mappc Wiki] A collaborative project designed to showcase Peace Corps Volunteers and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Maps and Projects.<br />
-Cheers Will<br />
<br />
[http://www.chrisdelcher.carbonmade.com] A collection of maps made by Peace Corps volunteers. <br />
-Chris Delcher (El Salvador, 1998-2000)<br />
<br />
== Sustainable Tech Wiki ==<br />
<br />
http://www.appropedia.org/<br />
<br />
===Agricultural Projects===<br />
[[Seeders Program]] - The Seeders program works to exchange forestry and agricultural seeds between volunteers in Panama.<br />
<br />
[http://www.netafim.com/ Netafim] - An Agri-Business pioneer and global leader, Netafim™ delivers innovative solutions that increase crop yields and preserve water resources. With over 40 years of global experience Netafim™ leverages cutting-edge, irrigation technologies, advanced Crop Management Technologies and &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] extensive agronomic expertise providing customers with tailored solutions from initial feasibility studies to post harvesting.<br />
<br />
===Artisans===<br />
[http://tenthousandvillages.com/ Ten Thousand Villages] - Ten Thousand Villages works with over 100 artisan groups in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring you fair trade jewelry, home decor, gifts and more. As one of the world's oldest and largest fair trade organizations, we build long-term relationships with artisans that are based on mutual understanding and respect. Fair trade enables artisans to earn a fair wage and provides the opportunity for a better quality of life. (http://www.tenthousandvillages.com)<br />
<br />
[http://aidtoartisans.org/ Aid to Artisans] - Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization, is also a global community of people. We offer practical assistance worldwide to artisans who work with us as partners to foster artistic traditions and cultural vitality, to improve livelihoods and to keep communities healthy, strong and growing. (http://www.aidtoartisans.org)<br />
<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/v/3X_6qjHR5XU&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1/ How Aid to Artisans works, Video]]<br />
<br />
[http://www.peoplink.org/ PeopLink] - PeopLink helps microenterprises in developing countries to connect with buyers through web page development, training and site hosting. Non-profit marketplace enabling you to purchase directly from artisans all over the world. (http://www.peoplink.org)<br />
<br />
===Engineering &amp; Architecture Projects===<br />
[http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/?c=energy Design for the Other 90% - Energy]<br />
<br />
[http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/?c=shelter Design for the Other 90% - Shelter]<br />
<br />
[http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/?c=transport Design for the Other 90% - Transportation]<br />
<br />
[http://www.ewb-usa.com/projects.php Engineers Without Borders - USA] - ''Open Projects'' &lt;br&gt;<br />
&quot;EWB-USA is committed to designing and implementing engineering projects in developing communities around the world. There is great need in areas ranging from renewable energy to clean water to sustainable enterprise development.&quot;<br />
<br />
[http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/ Open Architecture Network] - The Open Architecture Network is an online, open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design.<br />
<br />
===Education Projects===<br />
====General====<br />
[http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/?c=education Design for the Other 90% - Education]<br />
====e-Learning====<br />
<br />
===Environment Projects===<br />
[[Seeders Program]] - The Seeders program works to exchange forestry and agricultural seeds between volunteers in Panama.<br />
<br />
[http://www.panamaverde.org/ Panama Verde] - Panama<br />
<br />
[http://www.ecotourism.org/ The International Ecotourism Society] - TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. (www.ecotourism.org)<br />
<br />
[http://www.fogquest.org/ FogQuest] - FogQuest is a non-profit, registered charity dedicated to planning and implementing water projects for rural communities in developing countries. We utilize innovative fog collectors as well as effective rainfall collectors to make optimum use of natural atmospheric sources of water. (www.fogquest.org)<br />
<br />
===Health Projects===<br />
====General====<br />
[http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/?c=health Design for the Other 90% - Health]<br />
====Water====<br />
[http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/?c=water Design for the Other 90% - Water]<br />
===IT Projects===<br />
sketchup.google.com<br />
earth.google.com<br />
<br />
===Small Enterprise Development Projects===<br />
[http://www.kiva.org/ Kiva] - Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By loaning a business money on Kiva.org, you help &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] the world's working poor make strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-24 months), you receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. Once the loans are repaid, you get your money back. <br />
<br />
There are two core volunteer programs that you can become involved with:<br />
<br />
'''Kiva Fellows''': Individuals spend 10 weeks to one year with a microfinance institution in a developing country, chronicling the lives of the working poor and assisting the microfinance institutions to maximize their relationship with Kiva. [(http://www.kiva.org/fellows)]<br />
<br />
'''Kiva Translators''': Volunteering from their own homes, individuals take entrepreneurs’ loan profiles written in the local language and translate to English, which are then posted for lending on Kiva.org. Kiva Translators help bring the entrepreneurs' stories to life for potential lenders. [(http://www.kiva.org/volunteer)]<br />
<br />
<br />
[http://www.ashoka.org/ Ashoka] - Ashoka's mission is to shape a citizen sector that is entrepreneurial, productive and globally integrated, and to develop the profession of social entrepreneurship around the world. Ashoka identifies and invests in leading social entrepreneurs - extraordinary individuals with unprecedented ideas for change in their communities - supporting them, their ideas and institutions through all phases of their careers. Ashoka Fellows benefit from being part of the global Fellowship for life. Volunteers can [http://www.ashoka.org/fellows/social_entrepreneur.cfm/ apply] to become social entrepreneurs.<br />
<br />
[http://www.seepnetwork.org/ SEEP Network] - The SEEP Network is an organization of more than 50 North American private and voluntary organizations that support micro and small business and microfinance institutions in the developing world. Its mission is to advance the practice of micro and small enterprise development among its members, their international partners, and other practitioners. (www.seepnetwork.org/)<br />
<br />
[http://www.africacncl.org/ Corporate Council on Africa] - Since our founding in 1993, CCA has been the leading American nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to enhancing trade and investment ties between the United States and the 53 countries of Africa. (www.africacncl.org/)<br />
<br />
[http://www.africaopenforbusiness.com/web/index.html/ Africa: Open for Business] - A one-hour documentary on entrepreneurship in Africa. (www.africaopenforbusiness.com/web/index.html)<br />
<br />
[http://www.georgetown.edu/centers/woodstock/gl-micro.htm/ Microenterprise Development in El Salvador] - Village Banking, Changing Values, and Informal Education is an online article by a Georgetown University professor.(www.georgetown.edu/centers/woodstock/gl-micro.htm)<br />
<br />
[http://www.microfinancegateway.org/ Microfinance Gateway] - The Microfinance Gateway is the most comprehensive online resource for the microfinance industry. It includes research and publications, specialized resource centers, organization and consultant profiles, and the latest news, events, and job opportunities in microfinance. <br />
<br />
[http://www.socialedge.org/ Social Edge] - On-Line resource for entrepreneurs<br />
<br />
[http://www.accion.org/ Accion] - A microlending organization active in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. <br />
<br />
[http://www.microenterpriseworks.org/ Association For Enterprise Opportunity] - A membership-based organization for those involved in supporting microenterprise development.<br />
<br />
[http://www.microjournal.com/ Journal of Microfinance] - A forum for the sharing of ideas and information pertaining to the practice of microfinance and microenterprise development, from Brigham Young University.<br />
<br />
[http://www.mip.org/ MicroEnterprise Innovation Project] - USAID’s initiative to support technical and financial assistance, research and training on best practices in microenterprise development and finance.<br />
<br />
[http://www.mrreporting.org/ USAID-related Sites]<br />
<br />
[http://www.bplans.com/ Business Plans] - Business planning tools and resources- includes several links<br />
<br />
===General Community Development===<br />
[http://www.fairtradefederation.com/ Fair Trade Federation (FTF)] - FTF members are committed to the following principles and practices in their trading relationships: fair wages; cooperative workplaces; consumer education; environmental sustainability; financial and technical support; respect for cultural identity; public accountability. (www.fairtradefederation.com/)<br />
<br />
[http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/publicat/lgc1097.html/ Asset-Based Community Development] - This page provides a report from the Center for community Economic Development on ABCD. (www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/publicat/lgc1097.html)<br />
<br />
[http://www.africacncl.org/(eqiv4w55pyf2tf45s3hnpeu5)/Default.aspx/ Corporate Council on Africa] - Since our founding in 1993, CCA has been the leading American nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to enhancing trade and investment ties between the United States and the 53 countries of Africa. (www.africacncl.org/)<br />
<br />
[http://www.copacgva.org/ Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives] - COPAC is a collaboration between local organizations and UN agencies. (www.copacgva.org)<br />
<br />
<br />
[http://www.google.com/sketchup/green/resources.html/ Google Sketchup Resources]h<br />
<br />
===Projects on Peace Corps Wiki===<br />
{| border=&quot;2&quot; class=&quot;noprint&quot; class=&quot;toccolours&quot; background: #f9f9f9; width: 250px;&quot; cellspacing=&quot;3&quot; cellpadding=&quot;3&quot; rules=&quot;none&quot;<br />
| colspan=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; | '''&lt;big&gt;[[Projects|Chart Projects]] done in Peace Corps&lt;/big&gt;'''<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:Pcw logo.png|120px|none]]<br />
||If you did a project in Peace Corps, please add your project to the Peace Corps Wiki, it's useful to identity the community in the &quot;project name&quot; If a page with that name already exists, you will be sent to a form to edit that page.''<br />
{{#forminput:Project}}<br />
|}<br />
&lt;br&gt;<br />
'''({{PAGESINCAT:Projects}}) [[Projects]] have information charted in the PCwiki:'''<br />
{{#ask:[[Project in::+]]<br />
| ?Lastname<br />
| ?Project in<br />
| ?Year of approval was<br />
| ?Name of community was<br />
| ?Is from state<br />
| ?Affiliate organization was<br />
| ?Partnership project number was<br />
| ?Project type was<br />
| sort = Project in<br />
| order = ascending<br />
| limit = 10<br />
}}&lt;br&gt;</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/SenegalSenegal2011-12-26T18:54:44Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{CountryboxAlternative<br />
|Countryname= Senegal<br />
|CountryCode = sg<br />
|status = [[ACTIVE]]<br />
|Flag= Flag_of_Senegal.svg<br />
|Welcomebooklink = http://www.peacecorps.gov/welcomebooks/snwb685.pdf<br />
|Region= [[Africa]]<br />
|CountryDirector= [[Christopher Hedrick]]<br />
|Sectors= [[Agriculture]]&lt;br&gt; ([[APCD]]: [[Famara Massaly]])&lt;br&gt; [[Business Development]] &lt;br&gt;([[APCD]]: [[Nicole Dewing]])&lt;br&gt; [[Health and Environmental Education]] &lt;br&gt;([[APCD]]: [[Mamadou Diaw]])&lt;br&gt;<br />
|ProgramDates= [[1963]] - [[Present]]<br />
|CurrentlyServing= 177<br />
|TotalVolunteers= 2813<br />
|Languages= [[French]], [[Jaxanke]], [[Mandinka]], [[Pulaar]], [[Pulafuuta]], [[Seereer]], [[Wolof]]<br />
|Map= Sg-map.gif<br />
|stagingdate= Aug 9 2010<br />
|stagingcity= Washington DC<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps program in Senegal began in 1963, primarily with English teachers. An early rural development program set the stage for Peace Corps' important presence in rural areas. Volunteers currently work in projects, focused on the needs of rural people. Volunteers are &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] assigned to small-scale projects helping individuals and communities with needs ranging from improved farming techniques to primary health education. All Volunteers are trained to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS and various other life skills themes.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps History==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[History of the Peace Corps in Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps program in Senegal began in 1963 with the assignment of 15 English teachers to secondary schools around the country. In the ensuing years, the program has grown considerably. On average, about 120 Volunteers work in a wide range of projects throughout Senegal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
Most Volunteers live in rural areas, especially those who work in the agriculture, natural resources, and environmental education sectors. For safety and cultural reasons, Volunteers are usually housed in family compounds, where accommodations range from a cement-block room with a tin roof to a traditional hut with a thatched roof. The Peace Corps requires that all housing have screens to protect against mosquitoes and other insects, a lock, and a concrete floor. Additionally, bathing and toilet facilities must meet Peace Corps standards. Prospective Volunteers are encouraged to bring pictures and other decorations to “make their hut a home.”<br />
<br />
<br />
==Training==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Training in Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
Pre-service training is an essential part of Peace Corps service. The objective is to provide you with solid technical, language, and cross-cultural knowledge to prepare you for living and working successfully in Senegal. The training uses an experiential approach wherever possible; thus, rather than reading or hearing about Volunteer activities, you will practice, process, and evaluate actual or simulated activities.<br />
<br />
A welcome committee led by the Peace Corps country director and the training director will meet you at the airport. The committee will help you collect your baggage, go through customs formalities, and load your baggage on rented buses.<br />
<br />
Because trainees’ baggage has occasionally been left somewhere en route, we advise you to carry essential items, toiletries, and enough clothing for three days in your carry-on luggage. Be certain to clearly and securely label all your baggage before checking it at the airport. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Health Care and Safety==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Health care and safety in Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] rather than the curative, approach to disease. The Peace Corps in Senegal maintains a clinic with three full-time medical officers, who take care of Volunteers’ primary health care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in Senegal at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to an American medical facility in the region or to the United States.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Diversity and cross-cultural issues in Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
In Senegal, as in other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics considered familiar and commonly accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Senegal.<br />
<br />
Outside of Dakar, residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief in some countries that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Senegal are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. <br />
<br />
* Possible Issues for Female Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color<br />
* Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers<br />
* Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities<br />
<br />
<br />
==Frequently Asked Questions==<br />
<br />
{{Volunteersurvey2008<br />
|H1r= 18<br />
|H1s= 76.2<br />
|H2r= 13<br />
|H2s= 87.5<br />
|H3r= 37<br />
|H3s= 84<br />
|H4r= 26<br />
|H4s= 106.6<br />
|H5r= 6<br />
|H5s= 61<br />
|H6r= 41<br />
|H6s= 79.9<br />
}}<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[FAQs about Peace Corps in Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
* How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Senegal?<br />
* What is the electric current in Senegal?<br />
* How much money should I bring?<br />
* When can I take vacation and have people visit me?<br />
* Will my belongings be covered by insurance?<br />
* Do I need an international driver’s license?<br />
* What should I bring as gifts for Senegalese friends and my host family?<br />
* Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?<br />
* How can my family contact me in an emergency?<br />
* Can I call home from Senegal?<br />
* Should I bring a cellular phone with me?<br />
* Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Packing List==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Packing List for Senegal]]''<br />
<br />
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Senegal and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Senegal.<br />
<br />
We recommend that you bring a minimal amount of clothing. Although ready-made imported clothing is expensive in Senegal, local tailors can produce custom-made pants, shirts, and dresses for less than the cost of ready-made equivalents in the United States. Making use of these tailors will free up some packing space for other things and ensure that your clothes are suitable for the climate. Likewise, toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, razor blades, and deodorant can be found in Senegal, so bring only enough to last you through the 11-week training period. Also bring items that will make you feel a little like your old self in a completely new and strange home.<br />
<br />
Remember to bring 18 photos with you for purposes such as visas and ID cards. These photos need not be expensive; those taken in a photo booth will suffice. Two final bits of advice: When packing, choose items that are modest, not ostentatious, and if in doubt, leave it out. <br />
<br />
* General Clothing<br />
* Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items<br />
* Miscellaneous Essential Items<br />
* Nice to Have but Not Essential<br />
<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps News==<br />
<br />
Current events relating to Peace Corps are also available by [[News | country of service]] or [[News by state|your home state]]<br />
<br />
''The following is automatic RSS feed of Peace Corps news for this country.''&lt;br&gt;&lt;rss title=on desc=off&gt;http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&amp;ned=us&amp;scoring=n&amp;q=%22peace+corps%22+%22senegal%22&amp;output=rss|charset=UTF-8|short|date=M d&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
&lt;br&gt;'''[http://peacecorpsjournals.com PEACE CORPS JOURNALS]'''&lt;br&gt;''( As of {{CURRENTDAYNAME}} {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}} )''&lt;rss title=off desc=off&gt;http://peacecorpsjournals.com/rss/sg/blog/50.xml|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
==Country Fund==<br />
<br />
Contributions to the [https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.donors.contribute.projDetail&amp;projdesc=685-CFD Senegal Country Fund] will support Volunteer and community projects that will take place in Senegal. These projects include water and sanitation, agricultural development, and youth programs.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Volunteers who served in Senegal]]<br />
* [[Friends of Senegal and The Gambia]]<br />
* [[Inspector General Reports]]<br />
* [[Pre-Departure Checklist]]<br />
* [[List of resources for Senegal]]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
* [http://pcsenegal.org/ Senegal Homepage]<br />
* [http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/sg.html Peace Corps Journals - Senegal]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Senegal]] [[Category:Africa]]<br />
[[Category:Country]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Packing_list_for_HondurasPacking list for Honduras2011-12-26T18:53:59Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Packing lists by country}}<br />
<br />
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[Honduras]] and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80pound weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Honduras. <br />
<br />
Your clothes should be sturdy enough to hold up under rough wear and laundry techniques and free of the need for ironing. The amount of professional versus casual clothing you bring should be based on personal preference and on the type of work you will be doing. For example, a water and &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] sanitation Volunteer probably needs more casual clothes for work than does a small business Volunteer. Shorts are acceptable in limited circumstances, but especially in larger towns and for athletic activities. Women, however, should also bring sweatpants that are comfortable to work out in. Note that big and tall sizes are often difficult to find in Honduras, as are women’s shoes larger than size 8 and men’s shoes larger than size 10-1/2. Because there are many good tailors and seamstresses in Honduras who can make many styles at a reasonable price, you may want to bring patterns or pictures of clothing that they can copy or adapt for you. <br />
<br />
===General Clothing ===<br />
<br />
* About 20 tops, including button-down shirts or nice blouses and casual shirts (polo shirts, tank tops, T-shirts), a few of them long sleeved<br />
* One or two sweaters or sweatshirts <br />
* Appropriate socks for all your shoes, at least 10 pairs <br />
* Two-week supply of underwear <br />
* One or two swimsuits <br />
* Rain gear (poncho or raincoat) <br />
* Light jacket or windbreaker <br />
* Caps and hats (for both sun protection and warmth) <br />
* Bandanas <br />
* Belts or suspenders <br />
* Clothes for running, if you run <br />
<br />
===For Men===<br />
<br />
* Five to eight pairs of pants for work (nice jeans or khakis), two or three pairs of dressy pants (nice khakis are suitable), and two or three pairs of casual pants <br />
* One or two pairs of fairly long shorts <br />
* One or two ties and a sport coat for formal occasions (can be worn with nice khakis) <br />
For Women <br />
* Three to six pairs of pants for work (e.g., khakis) <br />
* Two or three pairs of casual pants (e.g., jeans) <br />
* One to four pairs of long shorts <br />
* One to three skirts or dresses <br />
* Two dressy outfits for formal occasions <br />
<br />
Note: Pants are just as acceptable as dresses or skirts with blouses.<br />
<br />
===Shoes ===<br />
<br />
* One or two pairs of sturdy, comfortable shoes for work, depending on your project <br />
* One pair of hiking boots or Vibram-soled shoes (Honduras is wet and muddy in the rainy season) <br />
* One pair of running shoes, if you run <br />
* One pair of comfortable casual shoes <br />
* One pair of dress shoes <br />
* Flip-flops (can easily be bought in Honduras) <br />
<br />
===Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items===<br />
<br />
Most items can be purchased in Honduras, but you might want to bring a start-up supply of soap, shampoo, shaving cream, etc. If you have particular needs &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] with regard to cosmetics or soaps because of allergies, bring a supply of those items. Women who prefer a brand of tampon other than the Tampax provided by the Peace Corps should bring their own supply. <br />
<br />
===Kitchen===<br />
<br />
A wide variety of kitchen supplies, foods, and spices are available in Honduras. <br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
<br />
* Camera, replacement batteries, and film (consider insuring the camera)<br />
* Day pack or small backpack <br />
* Fairly cheap, water-resistant and shockproof watch <br />
* Small flashlight and extra batteries (size AA is easy to find in Honduras)<br />
* Money belt or fanny pack <br />
* Pillowcase(s) (can buy in country)<br />
* Multiple-utility pocketknife (Swiss Army type) <br />
* Two flat sheets or a set for a double bed (can buy in country)<br />
* Small travel alarm clock and extra batteries <br />
* Sturdy backpack or duffel bag for three-to-four-day trips <br />
* Pocket-size Spanish-English dictionary <br />
* Fast-drying towels (two bath towels, one beach towel, one hand towel, and two washcloths) <br />
* A few U.S. dollars for your first few days in-country <br />
* Backgammon and other travel games <br />
* Good scissors (can buy in country)<br />
* Inexpensive jewelry (can buy in country)<br />
* Small iron (can buy in country)<br />
* Journal <br />
* Light, stuffable (preferably waterproof) sleeping bag with a pad <br />
* Photos of family and friends <br />
* Radio (including shortwave) or cassette player with electrical cord and extra batteries or rechargeable batteries (can buy in country)<br />
* Simple tool set <br />
* Small sewing kit <br />
* Start-up supply of stationery, pens, etc. (can buy in country)<br />
* World map or lightweight atlas <br />
* Plastic food storage bags (can buy in country)<br />
* Luggage locks <br />
* Good-quality water bottle <br />
* Binoculars <br />
* Project-specific books (e.g., for identification of trees, medicinal plants, birds)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Honduras]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/BrazilBrazil2011-12-26T18:53:24Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Br-map.gif|right]]<br />
{{TOCright}}<br />
{{Stub}}<br />
<br />
{| border=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;<br />
|-<br />
| align=&quot;center&quot; | '''[[Sector]]''' || '''[[Assignment]]''' || '''[[Beg. Yr]]''' || '''[[End. Yr]]'''<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Agriculture]]'''<br />
| [[Ag Education]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Ag Extension]]<br />
| [[1969]]<br />
| [[1971]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Animal Husband Lg]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Apiculture]]<br />
| [[1972]]<br />
| [[1974]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Crop Extension]]<br />
| [[1962]]<br />
| [[1976]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Business]]'''<br />
| [[Business Advising]]<br />
| [[1969]]<br />
| [[1977]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Cooperatives]]<br />
| [[1966]]<br />
| [[1974]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;3&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Education]]'''<br />
| [[Industrial Arts]]<br />
| [[1967]]<br />
| [[1976]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secondary-Ed Sci.]]<br />
| [[1962]]<br />
| [[1962]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Voc. Trainer]]<br />
| [[1970]]<br />
| [[1970]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Health]]'''<br />
| [[Envir. and Water Resource]]<br />
| [[1962]]<br />
| [[1970]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Medical team]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
| [[1975]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Other]]'''<br />
| [[Unique Skill]]<br />
| [[1964]]<br />
| [[1964]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[UNV]]'''<br />
| [[United Nations Volunteer]]<br />
| [[1976]]<br />
| [[1976]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Youth and Community Development]]'''<br />
| [[Commun. Serv/Deg.]]<br />
| [[1965]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Road Const/Engin.]]<br />
| [[1971]]<br />
| [[1974]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps News==<br />
<br />
Current events relating to Peace Corps are also available by [[News | country of service]] or [[News by state|your home state]]<br />
<br />
''The following is &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] automatic RSS feed of Peace Corps news for this country.''&lt;br&gt;&lt;rss title=on desc=off&gt;http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&amp;ned=us&amp;scoring=n&amp;q=%22peace+corps%22+%22brazil%22&amp;output=rss|charset=UTF-8|short|date=M d&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
&lt;br&gt;'''[http://peacecorpsjournals.com PEACE CORPS JOURNALS]'''&lt;br&gt;''( As of {{CURRENTDAYNAME}} {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}} )''&lt;rss title=off desc=off&gt;http://peacecorpsjournals.com/rss/br/blog/50.xml|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
* [[Volunteers who served in Brazil]]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
* [http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/br.html Peace Corps Journals - Brazil]<br />
* [http://www.expcvsbrazil.com/ exPeace Corps Volunteers and Staff - Brazil]<br />
* &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Brazil]] [[Category:South America]]<br />
[[Category:Country]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Living_conditions_and_volunteer_lifestyles_in_MalawiLiving conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Malawi2011-12-26T18:53:20Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Living_conditions_and_volunteer_lifestyles_by_country}}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Communications===<br />
<br />
===Mail ===<br />
<br />
Few countries in the world offer the level of mail service we consider normal in the United States. If you bring with you expectations for U.S. standards for mail service, you will be in for much frustration. Mail takes a minimum of two to three weeks to arrive, often longer. Some mail may simply not arrive (fortunately this is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen). We do not want to sound discouraging, but when we are thousands of miles from our families and friends, communication becomes a very sensitive issue. We want &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] you to be aware of the reality of mail service in developing countries. Advise your family and friends to number their letters and to include “Air Mail” and “Par Avion” on their envelopes. Packages take six to nine weeks for airmail, and surface mail packages take around six months. If someone is sending you a package, it’s advisable to keep it small and use a padded envelope so it will be treated as a letter. <br />
<br />
Despite delays, we strongly encourage you to write to your family regularly (perhaps weekly or bi-weekly) and to number your letters. Family members will typically become worried when they do not hear from you, so please advise your parents, friends, and relatives that mail is sporadic and that they should not worry if they do not receive your letters regularly. <br />
<br />
Peace Corps Volunteers &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/SpScT&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] in Malawi may receive packages for six months after arrival without paying duty and customs taxes. This privilege is for work-related clothing and household items. Duty may be charged on food and cosmetics. Also, valuable items should not be shipped since they sometimes get lost or held up. If duty is charged, the lower the value—the lower the duty. <br />
<br />
Your address during training will be: <br />
<br />
“Your Name,” PCT<br />
<br />
Peace Corps<br />
<br />
P. O. Box 208<br />
<br />
Lilongwe, Malawi<br />
<br />
Once you have become a Volunteer, you will have your mail sent directly to your new address at your site. <br />
<br />
===Telephones ===<br />
<br />
Do not expect e-mail or telephone access during training, though the training site does have telephones for emergency use. Generally, long-distance communication via telephone is available but very expensive. Note that calling cards (MCI, Sprint, and AT&amp;T) do not work in Malawi. Alternatively, many Volunteers buy a cellphone locally (if you bring one from the U.S., be sure it can function in Malawi). These also have disadvantages, as there is still not coverage countrywide, and most Volunteers do not have the electricity needed to recharge a cellphone. While telephone communication is possible for Volunteers in Malawi, calling the United States is often a very frustrating experience. Volunteers are encouraged to establish a system of writing letters as the best method of regular communication with family and friends and to schedule periodic calls from family as a special treat. <br />
<br />
Having a phone in your house as a Volunteer is very unlikely due to the rural location of Volunteer sites. The Volunteer respite houses in Blantyre and Mzuzu have phones where many Volunteers receive calls from family. <br />
<br />
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access <br />
<br />
Personal computers/laptops are not needed or recommended, since only a few Volunteers have electricity in their homes. Computers with Word and Excel are available at the Peace Corps office and the two Volunteer respite houses. The three major cities also have Internet cafés. <br />
<br />
===Housing and Site Location ===<br />
<br />
Volunteers in Malawi are posted from the far north in Chitipa to the far south in Nsanje. Volunteers are almost exclusively posted to rural areas—at health centers, community secondary schools, or in communities surrounding forest or game reserves. Site placement is made during the training period after the staff has had an opportunity to evaluate individual capabilities and strengths. Site placements are determined primarily by work-related needs. <br />
<br />
Housing can vary from mud houses with either thatch or tin roofs to fired-brick houses with tin roofs. Most likely, a Volunteer’s house will be comparable to their co-worker’s dwelling. Housing will include basics such as a bed, table, and chairs, but possibly not much more. Each Volunteer will receive an allowance to purchase needed settling-in items. Housing is organized and provided by the hosting site, either by the school, health center, or community. Volunteers do not generally live with families during their two years of service following training, though this is a possibility. <br />
<br />
Volunteers might be located anywhere from a half hour to three days from the capital city. Closeness to another Volunteer varies from site to site. Your nearest Volunteer neighbor may be a VSO (British) or JICA (Japanese) Volunteer. <br />
<br />
Most Volunteers do not have electricity or running water. Water will likely come from a well, and your evenings will be spent reading by lantern and candlelight. Your flexibility and adaptability will be important as you adjust to these new conditions. <br />
<br />
During the training period, trainees stay with a host family and share most meals with their host family. Homestay is considered one of the most important aspects of the training program and is required for this period. Generally, trainees will be placed in a village with three to four other trainees and one to two staff members. <br />
<br />
===Living Allowance and Money Management ===<br />
<br />
As a Volunteer, you will receive a modest living allowance, paid in local currency, which allows you to live on par with your colleagues and co-workers. The amount for this allowance is based on regular surveys of Volunteers and costs of living in Malawi. The living allowance is paid quarterly into Volunteer bank accounts up-country, so the ability to manage funds wisely is important. Currently, the living allowance is equivalent to approximately $120 per month. Your living allowance is for your food, utilities, household supplies, clothing, recreation and entertainment, reading materials, and other incidentals. Included in the quarterly allowance is a travel allowance, which should be sufficient for necessary trips to and from Lilongwe from your site for official workshops, medical appointments, and so forth. Like Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide, those in Malawi are expected to live at a level commensurate with that of their Malawian co-workers. You may find that you will be receiving more remuneration than your counterpart or supervisor. <br />
<br />
You will also receive a leave allowance (standard in all Peace Corps countries) of $24 per month. This allowance is paid in local currency along with your living allowance. <br />
<br />
Volunteers suggest you bring traveler’s checks, cash, and credit cards for vacation travel. Note that it is now possible to access a U.S. bank account with a VISA card at some ATMs in major urban areas (you may draw only kwacha, not dollars). The amount of cash or traveler’s checks that you will need will depend on the amount of traveling you plan to do while serving in Malawi. Only a few local establishments accept credit cards, so they are mostly useful for travel to other countries. <br />
<br />
The local currency is Malawi kwacha. The current exchange rate is approximately 135.465 kwacha to the U.S. dollar. <br />
<br />
===Food and Diet ===<br />
<br />
The staple food in Malawi is maize (corn) prepared as a thick porridge called nsima and eaten with vegetables or beans. Many fruits and vegetables grow in Malawi, and with a little creativity, you can enjoy a widely varied diet. Most Volunteers prepare their own food, although after becoming more familiar with their site assignment, many Volunteers hire someone to help with household work, including cooking. Fruits and vegetables are available “in season,” which means some things will not be available at the market year round. Meat and dairy products are available in the towns, though they can be expensive. <br />
<br />
Trainees and Volunteers who are vegetarians will be able to eat well in Malawi after becoming familiar with local food items and their preparation. Most Malawians do not understand vegetarianism and will not normally be prepared to serve a vegetarian meal if you are a guest in their home (even if they themselves do not regularly eat meat because of the expense). However, a sensitive explanation about your preferences will be accepted. Most vegetarian Volunteers have no difficulty once the initial adjustment is accomplished. <br />
<br />
===Transportation===<br />
<br />
Volunteers’ primary mode of transport is public buses and matolas, usually small pickup trucks loaded with people and goods. Buses and mini-buses travel among towns on irregular schedules (i.e., when full), so travel in Malawi is never a timed affair. <br />
<br />
Many Volunteers receive a mountain bike to facilitate their ability to do their work. If you ride a bicycle, helmets are required (and provided by the Peace Corps). The bikes we issue are usually men’s-style bikes that can be difficult for females to ride wearing a skirt. Many females wear shorts under their skirt to solve this problem. <br />
<br />
Volunteers are not allowed to drive and/or operate motor vehicles or motorcycles (two- or three-wheeled). <br />
<br />
===Geography and Climate ===<br />
<br />
Malawi is south of the equator, so the seasons will be opposite of those in the United States. In June, July, and August the temperatures will range from 35 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in the higher elevations to 60 to 70 degrees F near the shore of Lake Malawi. The hottest months are October, November, and December. Temperatures will range from 70 degrees F in the high elevations to around 90 to 95 degrees F in the lower elevations. In the cool season, sweaters or jackets are practical. In the hot season, loose-fitting cotton clothes are best. The rainy season starts in November or December and lasts through April. The rest of the year is quite dry, although rain showers are possible throughout the year. At certain times of the year, temperatures can drop to a chilly low. <br />
<br />
The geography of Malawi is dominated by Lake Malawi, which stretches down most of the eastern side of the country. The lake is a beautiful setting for many activities and also provides approximately 85 percent of the fresh-water tropical aquarium fish in the world. <br />
<br />
===Social Activities ===<br />
<br />
Malawi’s first television station began broadcasting relatively recently, and it now offers a few local news segments and programming from South Africa and Europe. There are several radio stations, some of which play popular music. Many Volunteers bring shortwave radios so that they can listen to international broadcasts (BBC, Voice of America, Radio Deuschewella, etc.). Malawi has no cinemas. <br />
<br />
The most common form of entertainment is social interactions among friends and neighbors. Some Volunteers visit other Volunteers on weekends and during holidays. We encourage Volunteers to remain at their sites in order to develop relationships with their community, but we also recognize that an occasional trip to the capital and to visit friends is needed as well. <br />
<br />
===Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior ===<br />
<br />
Malawians value appearance, and norms for dress here are much more conservative than in the United States. In the United States, we view our clothes as a reflection of our individuality. In Malawi, your dress is seen as a sign of your respect to those around you. Clothes that are dirty, have holes in them, or are “too revealing” are not appreciated by Malawians. Wearing them will reduce the amount of respect given to you and your effectiveness. If you need to choose between T-shirts and blouses, choose blouses. Pants and shorts for women, while now legal, are not appropriate at work or in public. Men also prefer to wear nicer pants, shirts, and even neckties for teaching school or working in an office. <br />
<br />
One of the difficulties of finding your place as a Peace Corps Volunteer is fitting into the local culture while maintaining your own identity and acting like a professional all at the same time. It is not an easy thing to resolve, and we can only provide you with guidelines. You will be working as a representative of a government ministry, and as such you are expected to dress and behave accordingly. While some of your counterparts may dress in seemingly worn or shabby clothes, this will be due to economics rather than choice. The likelihood is that they are wearing their “best.” A foreigner wearing ragged, unmended clothing is likely to be considered an affront. <br />
<br />
Adhering to appropriate dress is important in Malawi, and if you have reservations about your ability or willingness to do so, you should evaluate your decision to become a Peace Corps Volunteer. Volunteering to work effectively in another culture requires a certain level of sacrifice and flexibility that can be difficult for some people. We expect you to behave in a manner that will foster respect within your community and reflect well on the Peace Corps. You need to be aware that because certain behavior may jeopardize the Peace Corps program and your personal safety, it cannot be tolerated, and could lead to administrative separation, a decision by the Peace Corps to terminate your service. <br />
<br />
===Rewards and Frustrations ===<br />
<br />
Although the potential for job satisfaction is very high, like all Volunteers, you will encounter numerous frustrations. Perceptions of time are very different from the United States, the lack of basic infrastructure can become very tiring, the host agencies do not always provide expected support in a timely manner, and Malawians generally perceive all Americans as very rich. These are all very common frustrations that Malawi Volunteers experience. The Peace Corps experience is often described as an intense series of emotional peaks and valleys that occur while you adapt to the new culture. <br />
<br />
As a Volunteer, you will be given a great deal of responsibility and independence in your work—perhaps more than in any other job you will ever have. Often you will need to motivate yourself and others with little guidance. You may work for months with little visible impact and without receiving feedback on your work. Development is a s-l-o-w process. You must possess the self-confidence, patience, and vision to continue working toward long-term goals without seeing immediate results. <br />
<br />
To approach and overcome these difficulties, you will need maturity, flexibility, open-mindedness, and resourcefulness. Judging by the experience of former Volunteers, the peaks are well worth the difficult times, and most Volunteers leave Malawi feeling they have gained more than they sacrificed during their service. If you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your community and work hard, your service could be a truly life-altering experience. <br />
<br />
===Personal Safety ===<br />
<br />
More information about the Peace Corps’ approach to safety is outlined in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be over-emphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although many Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal safety problems. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help Volunteers reduce their risks and enhance their safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Malawi. At the same time, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being. <br />
<br />
[[Category:Malawi]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/History_of_the_Peace_Corps_in_GuatemalaHistory of the Peace Corps in Guatemala2011-12-26T18:37:06Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{History_of_the_Peace_Corps_by_country}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The first Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Guatemala in 1963. Since then, more than 4,500 Volunteers have served in Guatemala, providing assistance &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/lF3qt&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] to rural families in cooperation with governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). During an average year, approximately 200 Volunteers serve in Guatemala. Currently, Peace Corps Volunteers are assigned to work on projects related to agriculture, environment, health, small business development, youth at risk, and municipal development. <br />
<br />
History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Guatemala Projects evolve with the changing needs and opportunities in Guatemala. Brief descriptions of our current projects follow. <br />
<br />
<br />
====Agricultural Sector====<br />
<br />
Sustainable Agriculture Development <br />
<br />
This project focuses on teaching small farmers to produce non-traditional crops and raise small animals for either family consumption or the &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Victoria_Pridgen&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] local market. Agricultural production Volunteers provide training in organic production techniques, soil management, and utilization of local resources. <br />
<br />
Marketing Volunteers teach farmers basic marketing tools to improve family incomes, including financial record-keeping and analysis of production costs, market and price analysis, production planning, and post-harvest management. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
====Environmental Sector====<br />
<br />
Conservation and Management of Natural Resources <br />
<br />
Volunteers assigned to this project work with small farmers to manage woodlots for sustainable yields. Volunteers teach technical aspects of plant production systems, agroforestry systems, and various reforestation methods. <br />
<br />
====Community Environmental Management====<br />
<br />
Volunteers assigned to this project train community members to minimize the human impact on natural areas and buffer zones or multiple-use public lands. Project activities include environmental education, solid waste management, and ecotourism. <br />
<br />
====Health Sector====<br />
<br />
=====Healthy Schools=====<br />
<br />
Volunteers in this project facilitate health education with accredited Guatemalan primary school teachers, who are trained by the Volunteer to teach health lessons. Volunteers teach students about health and personal hygiene, assist in developing training workshops for teachers, and work with parent-school committees to promote school sanitation. <br />
<br />
=====Appropriate Technology for Family Health=====<br />
<br />
Volunteers in this project teach rural families about health and simple technologies that can improve family health conditions. Volunteers work directly with families and community groups to build technologies such as improved cooking stoves, water systems, and waste treatment facilities (e.g., latrines). <br />
<br />
====Small Business Development Sector====<br />
<br />
=====Small Business Development=====<br />
<br />
Volunteers in this project teach basic business management skills to small business entrepreneurs and youth so that they can make better business decisions. <br />
<br />
=====Municipal Development=====<br />
<br />
Municipal development Volunteers work with personnel from rural governments to strengthen government ability to provide basic services and infrastructure to isolated areas. Volunteers train rural communities to identify, prioritize, program, execute, and evaluate community development projects.<br />
<br />
====Assignment History====<br />
<br />
{| border=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;<br />
|-<br />
| align=&quot;center&quot; | '''[[Sector]]''' || '''[[Assignment]]''' || '''[[Beg. Yr]]''' || '''[[End. Yr]]'''<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;10&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Agriculture]]'''<br />
| [[Ag Economics]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Ag Education]]<br />
| [[1986]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Ag Extension]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Animal Husband]]<br />
| [[1969]]<br />
| [[2004]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Animal Husband Lg]]<br />
| [[1978]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Apiculture]]<br />
| [[1972]]<br />
| [[1988]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Crop Extension]]<br />
| [[1962]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Farm Mechanics]]<br />
| [[1987]]<br />
| [[1987]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Fisheries Marine]]<br />
| [[1980]]<br />
| [[1991]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Soil Science]]<br />
| [[1982]]<br />
| [[1988]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Business]]'''<br />
| [[Business Advising]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Business Development]]<br />
| [[2000]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Cooperatives]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[1992]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[NGO Advising]]<br />
| [[1995]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Urban and Regional Planning]]<br />
| [[1999]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Crisis Corps]]'''<br />
| [[Crisis Corps]]<br />
| [[1996]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;10&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Education]]'''<br />
| [[English Teacher]]<br />
| [[1989]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Fisheries Fresh]]<br />
| [[1980]]<br />
| [[2006]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Gen. Construction]]<br />
| [[1976]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Home Economics]]<br />
| [[1982]]<br />
| [[1986]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Industrial Arts]]<br />
| [[1970]]<br />
| [[1983]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Literacy Ed.]]<br />
| [[1986]]<br />
| [[1986]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Phys. Ed/Youth Wk]]<br />
| [[1975]]<br />
| [[1989]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Prim-Ed/Teach Trn]]<br />
| [[1998]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secondary-Ed Math]]<br />
| [[1999]]<br />
| [[1999]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secondary-Ed Sci.]]<br />
| [[1987]]<br />
| [[1990]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;4&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Environment]]'''<br />
| [[Comm Forestry Ext]]<br />
| [[1986]]<br />
| [[1998]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Environmental Ed.]]<br />
| [[1990]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Forestry]]<br />
| [[1978]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Protected Areas Management]]<br />
| [[1987]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;6&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Health]]'''<br />
| [[Envir. and Water Resource]]<br />
| [[1976]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Health Degreed]]<br />
| [[1983]]<br />
| [[2004]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Health Extension]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Home Econ/Ext.]]<br />
| [[1980]]<br />
| [[1994]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Hygiene Ed/Sanitation]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Nursing]]<br />
| [[1980]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Master's International]]'''<br />
| [[Masters Internationalist]]<br />
| [[1990]]<br />
| [[1999]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Other]]'''<br />
| [[Flexible App]]<br />
| [[1969]]<br />
| [[1994]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Unique Skill]]<br />
| [[1988]]<br />
| [[1991]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[UNV]]'''<br />
| [[United Nations Volunteer]]<br />
| [[1989]]<br />
| [[1998]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Youth and Community Development]]'''<br />
| [[Appropriate Tech.]]<br />
| [[1981]]<br />
| [[1994]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Commun. Serv/Deg.]]<br />
| [[1968]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Road Const/Engin.]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
| [[1973]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Rural Youth Dev.]]<br />
| [[1980]]<br />
| [[1994]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Youth Development]]<br />
| [[2003]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Guatemala]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Farm_management_and_agribusinessFarm management and agribusiness2011-12-26T18:36:58Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>==PEACE CORPS: CREATING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS== <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps was established through the vision of President John F. Kennedy who challenged Americans to join a grand and global alliance to promote peace, friendship and better living conditions in the world. Since the first Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Ghana in 1961, more than 148,000 American men and women have responded to the challenge. Volunteers have served in over 100 countries. Volunteers continue to respond today and 6,500 are currently serving in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. <br />
<br />
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you help translate host country development plans into community level action, thus improving the lives of local people. You arrive, &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/lF3qt&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] not with funds or equipment, but with skills and knowledge as well the willingness to adapt them to your community. A successful project is one that continues to function effectively even after you have left. <br />
<br />
Before starting your two-year assignment, you receive up to three months of training that focuses on language, cross-cultural, and technical skills. It is usually provided in the country where you serve. Language and cultural training- an understanding of the country’s political system, cultural norms, and interpersonal relations- helps you become an integral member of the community. Technical training gives you the ability to effectively transfer your skills and knowledge to host-country people.<br />
<br />
==YOUR WORK AS A PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER==<br />
In many of the countries in which Peace Corps Volunteers work, the economic base of rural communities is founded upon agricultural enterprise. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you help communities achieve greater food security and increase earning potential. You work in coordination with host government agencies, international development agencies, local farmer, and business organizations. You may work directly with agribusinesses or small farmers and micro-entrepreneurs. Depending on your assignment and your initial community assessment, your responsibilities may include: <br />
<br />
===Technical Assistance and Training for Small Farmers===<br />
Design and implement technical courses, seminars, and workshops in cost-benefit analysis, marketing, basic accounting, and credit management. Help farmers create &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/History_of_the_Peace_Corps_in_Guatemala&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] farmer-owned and controlled marketing and supply cooperatives. Facilitate small business start-ups or income generating activities. Provide technical assistance in improving crop and livestock production. Advise farm families on how and when to produce and sell their goods. Help farmers better analyze traditional and potential markets by conducting a market and community needs assessment - this could lead to experimentation with direct marketing, specialty markets, or export markets. <br />
<br />
===Technical Support to Agribusinesses===<br />
Improve agribusinesses by implementing idea banks for new projects. Provide technical assistance to improve management and marketing practices. Train businesses in market analysis, production techniques, economic forecasting, and financing options. <br />
<br />
===Advice to Government Agencies===<br />
Provide advice to government officials who are formulating and implementing strategies for the agricultural sector. Help individuals and organizations adjust to privatization efforts and move to�wards a free market economy. Train community members and college students using innovative teaching methodologies at agricultural training institutions. <br />
<br />
It is vital that you understand not only the myriad of technical problems, but also the cultural views and social and political context in which you operate. Your assignment may have little or no established structure or schedule. You continually define your role in response to the needs of the local people. Your willingness to integrate into your community and help your hosts find appropriate solutions can encourage people to participate. Your ability to organize and motivate others is as important as your technical knowledge and experience. You must also keep in mind that your role is that of a trainer so that new practices will continue even after your departure. Your success depends greatly on the relationships you forge and the trust you inspire.<br />
<br />
==EXAMPLES OF FARM MANAGEMENT/AGRIBUSINESS PROJECTS==<br />
===Bolivia===<br />
The Peace Corps small enterprise project in Bolivia assists individual entrepreneurs and small business groups, including agricultural associations and youth programs, to improve their business management skills through training. Volunteers work with the local people to develop and improve domestic and export market channels for agricultural organizations. Several agricultural associations have successfully in�creased productivity and are now in the commercialization phase. Lacking expertise in this area, these organizations have requested assistance in linking production, collection, transport, storage, and distribution functions. Volunteers also work with individual entrepreneurs or artisan groups to encourage income-generating activities. <br />
<br />
===Russia===<br />
The role of the Peace Corps agribusiness specialists concentrates on the development of private and cooperative agribusinesses. Volunteers primarily focus on advising local officials on decentralization strategies for the food processing industry; providing assistance in organizing cooperative businesses in areas such as food processing or farm supplies; and rebuilding a rural service and enterprise sector. Volunteers interact with a variety of foreign agencies and organizations, including officials from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, United Nations, and U. S. Agency for International Development. They are assigned to work in a team, often in business development centers. <br />
<br />
===Morocco=== <br />
Inadequate agricultural production in Morocco is due in part to increasing population pressures, overstocking of rangelands and consequent destruction of range habitat. Several years of drought have made the situation worse. Peace Corps Volunteers collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform at regional agricultural offices and agricultural training institutions. They serve as extension agents facilitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural and livestock production methods for income-generation. They may work specifically with youth or rural women. <br />
<br />
==QUALIFICATIONS FOR PEACE CORPS ASSIGNMENTS IN FARM MANAGEMENT/AGRIBUSINESS==<br />
A. BA/BS Agriculture Economics, OR B. Three years experience in farm management and/or agribusiness, OR C. BA/BS degree combining agricultural AND management, including agribusiness, agricultural management, farm management, OR D. BA/BS any business or economics discipline with one year experience in farming or agribusiness.</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Health_care_and_safety_in_The_GambiaHealth care and safety in The Gambia2011-12-26T18:36:35Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Health_care_and_safety_by_country}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. Peace Corps/The Gambia maintains a clinic with a full-time medical officer who takes care of Volunteers’ primary health-care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in The Gambia at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to an American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United States. <br />
<br />
==Health Issues in The Gambia==<br />
<br />
Major health problems among Volunteers in The Gambia are rare and are often the result of a Volunteer’s not taking preventive measures to stay healthy. The most &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/lF3qt&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] common minor health problems are ones that also exist in the United States, that is, colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation, sinus infections, skin infections, headaches, dental problems, minor injuries, STDs, adjustment disorders, emotional problems, and alcohol abuse. These problems may be more frequent or compounded by life in The Gambia because certain environmental factors here raise the risk of or exacerbate the severity of certain illnesses and injuries. <br />
<br />
The most common major health concerns in The Gambia are malaria, giardiasis, amoebic dysentery, and hepatitis. Because malaria is endemic in The Gambia, you are required to take antimalarial pills. In addition, you will be vaccinated to protect you against hepatitis A and B, meningitis A and C, tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, and rabies. <br />
<br />
==Helping You Stay Healthy==<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon your arrival in The Gambia, you will receive a medical handbook. At the end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first-aid needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter. <br />
<br />
During training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the medical officer. However, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Solomon_Islands&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] and any other specific medical supplies you require, as we will not order these items during training. Please bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they may not be available here and it may take several months for shipments to arrive. <br />
<br />
You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical problem during your service, the medical officer in The Gambia will consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in The Gambia, you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care. <br />
<br />
==Maintaining Your Health==<br />
<br />
As a Volunteer, you must accept a certain amount of responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The old adage “An ounce of prevention …” becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in The Gambia is to take preventive measures. <br />
<br />
The most important step in preventing malaria, and many other tropical diseases, is to avoid mosquito and other insect bites by sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long-sleeved tops and long pants whenever possible, using insect repellent, and making sure your windows and doors have screens. <br />
<br />
Rabies is prevalent throughout the region, so you will receive a series of immunizations against it when you arrive in The Gambia. If you are exposed to an animal that is either known to have or suspected of having rabies, you must inform the Peace Corps medical officer at once so that you can receive post-exposure booster shots. <br />
<br />
Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A, dysentery, tapeworms, and typhoid fever. Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and either boiling your drinking water or using a water filter and disinfectants (such as household bleach) can help prevent these illnesses. The medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in The Gambia during pre-service training. <br />
<br />
AIDS is less common in The Gambia than in other parts of Africa, but is far more common than in the United States. <br />
<br />
Abstinence is the only certain choice for prevention of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every timeyou have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen,a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more information from the medical officer about this important issue. <br />
<br />
Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available without charge from the medical officer. Generic formulations may be substituted for brand names. You may be asked to switch to a pill routinely stocked by the health unit. <br />
<br />
It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office for scheduled immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses and injuries. <br />
<br />
==Women’s Health Information==<br />
<br />
Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions requiring medical attention but also has programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the medical circumstances that exist in The Gambia, any Volunteer who becomes pregnant is medically separated. <br />
<br />
Few feminine hygiene products are available for you to purchase in The Gambia. If you require a specific feminine hygiene product, please bring a six-month supply with you. <br />
<br />
==Your Peace Corps Medical Kit==<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office. <br />
<br />
===Medical Kit Contents===<br />
<br />
Ace bandages &lt;br&gt;<br />
Acetaminophen 325&amp;nbsp;mg (Tylenol) &lt;br&gt;<br />
American Red Cross First Aid &amp; Safety Handbook &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antacid tablets (Di-Gel) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antifungal cream (clotrimazole) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antimicrobial skin cleanser (Hibiclens) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Baby powder (Johnson’s) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Band-Aids &lt;br&gt;<br />
Butterfly closures &lt;br&gt;<br />
Cepacol lozenges &lt;br&gt;<br />
Ciprofloxacin 500&amp;nbsp;mg &lt;br&gt;<br />
Condoms &lt;br&gt;<br />
Dental floss (waxed and unwaxed) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Diphenhydramine HCL 25&amp;nbsp;mg (Benadryl) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Erythromycin 25&amp;nbsp;mg &lt;br&gt;<br />
Hydrocortisone cream &lt;br&gt;<br />
Ibuprofen 400&amp;nbsp;mg &lt;br&gt;<br />
Insect repellent &lt;br&gt;<br />
Latex gloves (one pair) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Lip balm (Aloe Vera) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Multivitamins &lt;br&gt;<br />
Oral rehydration salts &lt;br&gt;<br />
Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets &lt;br&gt;<br />
Pseudoephedrine HCL 60&amp;nbsp;mg (Sudafed) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Scissors &lt;br&gt;<br />
Soap (Dial) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Sterile gauze pads &lt;br&gt;<br />
Sucrets lozenges &lt;br&gt;<br />
Sunscreen (SPF 30) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Thermometer &lt;br&gt;<br />
Tweezers &lt;br&gt;<br />
<br />
<br />
==Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist==<br />
<br />
If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or dental—since you submitted your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. <br />
<br />
If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services. <br />
<br />
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physician’s office, obtain a copy of your immunization record, and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment, either at your pre-departure orientation or shortly after you arrive in The Gambia. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure. <br />
<br />
Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-thecounter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply, we will order refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements. <br />
<br />
You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs. <br />
<br />
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it, using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. We discourage you from using contact lenses during your Peace Corps service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical Services has given approval. <br />
<br />
If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your future participation in health-care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health care from the time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the post-service health-care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age or preexisting conditions might prevent you from reenrolling in your current plan when you return home. <br />
<br />
==Safety and Security—Our Partnership==<br />
<br />
Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service without serious personal safety problems. In addition, more than 83 percent of Volunteers surveyed say they would join the Peace Corps again. <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you. This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care and Safety. All of these sections include important safety information. <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to function in the safest and most secure way possible, because working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we teach you to identify and manage the risks you may encounter. <br />
<br />
==Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk==<br />
<br />
There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are in the Volunteer’s control. Based on information gathered from incident reports worldwide in 2003, the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for assaults. Assaults consist of personal crimes committed against Volunteers, and do not include property crimes (such as vandalism or theft). <br />
<br />
* Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers were in public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public buildings). Specifically, 47 percent of assaults took place when Volunteers were away from their sites. <br />
* Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the weekend during the late evening between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.— most often occurring around 1:00 a.m. <br />
* Absence of others: More than 75 percent of crime incidents occurred when a Volunteer was unaccompanied. <br />
* Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the Volunteer did not know the assailant. <br />
* Consumption of alcohol: Almost a third of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers and/or assailants. <br />
<br />
==Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk==<br />
<br />
Before and during service, your training will address these areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face. <br />
<br />
For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ: <br />
<br />
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft: <br />
<br />
* Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for travel <br />
* Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance <br />
* Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency <br />
* Carry valuables in different pockets/places <br />
* Carry a “dummy” wallet as a decoy Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary: <br />
* Live with a local family or on a family compound <br />
* Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock box or trunk <br />
* Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S. <br />
* Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home security Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault: <br />
* Make local friends <br />
* Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs; don’t draw negative attention to yourself by wearing inappropriate clothing <br />
* Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors <br />
* Travel with someone whenever possible <br />
* Avoid known high crime areas <br />
* Limit alcohol consumption <br />
<br />
==Support from Staff==<br />
<br />
In March 2003, the Peace Corps created the Office of Safety and Security with its mission to “foster improved communication, coordination, oversight, and accountability of all Peace Corps’ safety and security efforts.” The new office is led by an Associate Director for Safety and Security who reports to the Peace Corps Director and includes the following divisions: Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security; <br />
<br />
Information and Personnel Security; and Emergency Preparedness, Plans, Training and Exercise. The safety and security team also tracks crime statistics, identifies trends in criminal activity, and highlights potential safety risks to Volunteers. <br />
<br />
The major responsibilities of the Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security Division are to coordinate the office’s overseas operations and direct the Peace Corps’ safety and security officers who are located in various regions around the world that have Peace Corps programs. The safety and security officers conduct security assessments; review safety trainings; train trainers and managers; train Volunteer safety wardens, local guards, and staff; develop security incident response procedures; and provide crisis management support. <br />
<br />
If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure that the Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff provides support by reassessing the Volunteer’s work site and housing arrangements and making any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident. <br />
<br />
The country-specific data chart below shows the incidence rates and the average number of incidents of the major types of safety incidents reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/trainees in The Gambia as compared to all other Africa region programs as a whole, from 1999-2003. It is presented to you in a somewhat technical manner for statistical accuracy. <br />
<br />
To fully appreciate the collected data below, an explanation of the graph is provided as follows: <br />
<br />
The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and trainee years (or V/T-Years, which is a measure of 12 full months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to compare crime data across countries. An “incident” is a specific offense, per Peace Corps’ classification of offenses, and may involve one or more Volunteer/trainee victims. For example, if two Volunteers are robbed at the same time and place, this is classified as one robbery incident. <br />
<br />
The chart is separated into the eight most commonly occurring assault types. These include vandalism (malicious defacement or damage of property); theft (taking without force or illegal entry); burglary (forcible entry of a residence); robbery (taking something by force); minor physical assault (attacking without a weapon with minor injuries); minor sexual assault (fondling, groping, etc.); aggravated assault (attacking with a weapon, and/or without a weapon when serious injury results); and rape (sexual intercourse without consent). <br />
<br />
When anticipating Peace Corps Volunteer service, you should review all of the safety and security information provided to you, including the strategies to reduce risk. Throughout your training and Volunteer service, you will be expected to successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas including safety and security. Once in-country, use the tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and secure as possible. <br />
<br />
==Security Issues in The Gambia==<br />
<br />
When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace Corps, you have to be willing to adapt your behavior and lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a target of crime. While The Gambia is considered one of the safest countries in West Africa, Volunteers have experienced petty theft, pickpocketing, and home break-ins. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know each other and generally will not steal from their neighbors. Tourist attractions, especially in large towns, are favorite work sites for pickpockets. The following are safety concerns in The Gambia of which you should be aware. <br />
<br />
Perhaps the single greatest risk to your safety in The Gambia is public transportation. While public buses, taxis, and private vehicles are generally safe, many accidents occur in “bush taxis.” Bush taxis are the main mode of transport for Gambians and may be the only type of local transportation available to and from your community. Because of bad roads, poor auto maintenance, and overloading, bush taxis are prone to breakdowns. During the rainy season, road conditions deteriorate and accidents are even more frequent. <br />
<br />
Pickpocketing and bag snatching most frequently occur in congested areas such as marketplaces, bus terminals, ferry crossings, and while traveling on public transportation. Being aware of your surroundings and projecting a confident attitude can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of petty theft. Volunteers are safest in their host communities, where people know them and value their contributions, but house break-ins sometimes occur when Volunteers are away from their residence. Remember to always lock your doors and windows, even if you are leaving for just a short time. <br />
<br />
Male colleagues, supervisors, and acquaintances may occasionally make inappropriate advances toward female Volunteers, but once the Volunteers become well-known in their communities, such harassment usually ends. Strategies to deal with this issue will be discussed during training, and command of one or more local languages will help you manage potential problems. <br />
<br />
Cases of physical and sexual assault are rare, and are often associated with cross-cultural differences regarding intimate relationships. The five most common risk factors in assaults are visiting the capital, going out on the weekend, being out at night, walking alone, and being intoxicated. (Although alcohol is readily available in urban areas, drinking in your community or public drunkenness anywhere is inappropriate and socially unacceptable.) Volunteers who exhibit responsible personal behavior can minimize their risk. Volunteers are urged to report all assaults and threats of assault to the Peace Corps medical officer or security officer so that staff can respond with appropriate support. <br />
<br />
The ongoing civil war in the Casamance region of southern Senegal (which began in the early 1980s) has not directly affected Volunteers serving in The Gambia. Although the region is off-limits to Volunteers, heightened awareness near the southwestern Gambia-Senegal border is warranted. <br />
<br />
In the coastal areas, where tourists congregate, Volunteers are often mistaken for Europeans on vacation, and this assumption can bring with it preconceived notions about personal wealth or sexual mores. Volunteers, as well as tourists and other expatriates, are often referred to as toubab, which is not a derogatory term but merely means “stranger,” “outsider,” or, sometimes, “white person.” Young men, referred to as “bumsters,” may offer to help you or “be your friend.” These men are usually harmless, but they are annoying and can sometimes be aggressive. Once again, command of the local language, visiting the beach in a group, and being aware of your environment are key in decreasing your risk. <br />
<br />
Any nonmedical issues involving personal security, such as those related to housing and transportation, should be directed to the security officer. <br />
<br />
==Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime==<br />
<br />
You must be prepared to take on a large responsibility for your own safety. Only you can make yourself less of a target, ensure that your house is secure, and develop relations in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. In coming to The Gambia, do what you would do if you moved to a large city in the United States: Be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in The Gambia may require you to accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle. <br />
<br />
Volunteers attract a lot of attention in large cities and at their sites, but receive far more negative attention in highly populated centers, where they are anonymous, than in smaller towns, where “family,” friends, and colleagues look out for them. While whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, avoid eye contact, and do not respond to unwanted attention. Do not keep your money in outside pockets of backpacks, in coat pockets, or in fanny packs. You should always walk with a companion at night. <br />
<br />
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer <br />
<br />
==Support in The Gambia==<br />
<br />
During pre-service training, you will be briefed on safety and security measures that should be taken while living and traveling in The Gambia. The Peace Corps’ safety program is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your two-year service and includes the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. The Gambia’s in-country safety program is outlined below. <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps/The Gambia office will keep Volunteers informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in memorandums from the country director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, Volunteers will be contacted through the emergency communication network. <br />
<br />
Volunteer training will include sessions to prepare you for specific safety and security issues in The Gambia. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout your two-year service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other components of training. <br />
<br />
Site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and work sites. Site selection is based in part on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; different housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs. <br />
<br />
You will also learn about Peace Corps/The Gambia’s detailed emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, you will complete and submit a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to your house. If there is a security threat, Volunteers in The Gambia will gather at predetermined locations until the situation resolves itself or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate. <br />
<br />
Finally, in order to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps medical officer or security officer. The Peace Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.<br />
<br />
[[Category:The Gambia]]<br />
[[Category:Health and Safety]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Packing_list_for_RwandaPacking list for Rwanda2011-12-26T17:59:03Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Packing lists by country}}<br />
<br />
This list has been compiled by Volunteers and is based on their<br />
experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list,<br />
bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no<br />
perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention,<br />
so consider those &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/qkYud&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] items that make the most sense to you<br />
personally and professionally. You can always have things sent<br />
to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you<br />
have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you<br />
can get almost everything you need in Rwanda.<br />
<br />
===General Clothing===<br />
<br />
You may also find that the clothing you bring from home will<br />
suffer more wear and tear than usual. Fortunately, used clothing<br />
markets abound in Rwanda, even in smaller towns, so it is not<br />
necessary to bring two years’ worth of clothes.<br />
<br />
* Several pairs of khaki trousers<br />
* T-shirts, polo shirts, and blouses<br />
* Sweatshirts/ fleece<br />
* Athletic shorts, for sports or home<br />
* Jeans<br />
* One or two dressy outfits<br />
* Bandannas<br />
* Tank tops for women<br />
* Long or knee-length skirts<br />
* Raincoat or umbrella<br />
* Cotton socks (gray or athletic)<br />
* Undergarments, including slips for women<br />
* Swimsuit<br />
<br />
===Shoes===<br />
<br />
Durable shoes are an essential investment. Shoes will wear out<br />
more quickly in &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Health_care_and_safety_in_Suriname&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] Rwanda than you are accustomed due to of all<br />
the walking you will do and the volcanic terrain in some regions<br />
of the country.<br />
<br />
* One or two pairs of hiking/walking shoes or boots<br />
* One or two pairs of sneakers or running shoes<br />
* Two pairs of comfortable dress shoes<br />
* Dress sandals<br />
<br />
===Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items===<br />
<br />
A range of basic hygiene items is available in most towns and<br />
cities; however, if you have strong personal preferences, plan to<br />
bring those brands.<br />
<br />
* Deodorant (if you prefer the stick kind, which is not available locally)<br />
* Contact lens solution (available locally but very expensive); Peace Corps does not provide this<br />
* A three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take, including birth control pills<br />
* Good-quality sunscreen (with a high SPF)<br />
* Tampons or sanitary pads (some are available locally but are very expensive)<br />
* Aloe or after-sun lotion<br />
* Conditioner (shampoo can be widely found in markets)<br />
* Nail clippers/Nail file<br />
<br />
===Recreation/Entertainment===<br />
<br />
* Camera and accessories (film is available locally)<br />
* Binoculars<br />
* Music player/recorder—iPod, MP3, CD, cassette (voltage converters are available locally)<br />
* Your favorite music (blank tapes are available locally)<br />
* Shortwave radio (three- to seven-band is recommended)<br />
* Portable musical instruments<br />
* Biking shorts and gloves (the Peace Corps provides a helmet and repair tools)<br />
* Sports equipment (e.g., Frisbee, kites, football, soccer ball)<br />
* Art supplies<br />
* Games and puzzle books (e.g., playing cards, cribbage, Scrabble, chess)<br />
* Favorite novels (but there will also be plenty circulating among Volunteers)<br />
* Almanac and dictionary<br />
* Camping or hiking gear<br />
* Tent (useful for travel as well as backpacking)<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
<br />
* Pictures from home of your family, friends, pets, seasons of the year, etc.<br />
* Pens and pencils, stationery, and notebooks<br />
* Alarm clock<br />
* Solar calculator (essential for small enterprise development Volunteers)<br />
* Solar batteries and recharger<br />
* Solar bulbs or/and solar power panels. With a power panel you can charge your cell or any other low-voltage USB-port devices, such as IPod, Kindle, etc. All you need is sun, and that's plentiful. You may want to check the Nokero and Solio products. Peace Corps Volunteers get a 25%-50% discount on Nokero products when they join [http://www.marketforchange.com Market for Change]<br />
* Sewing kit<br />
* Knives (available locally but of poor quality)<br />
* Plastic storage bags and containers<br />
* Duct tape<br />
* Peeler, grater, etc.<br />
* Tools such as a Leatherman knife and pruning shears<br />
* Packaged sauces, seasonings, soft-drink mixes, and spices (spices are hard to find and can be very expensive)<br />
* Potholders<br />
* Solar shower<br />
* Work gloves<br />
* Cash (most Volunteers bring $200 to $500 for travel and vacation)<br />
* Credit card and/or ATM card<br />
* At least 12 passport-size photos of yourself for visas, work permits, etc. (NOTE: These photos are a must)<br />
* U.S. and world maps<br />
* U.S. stamps (you can often have letters mailed in the United States by travelers)<br />
* Checks from a U.S. bank account (handy for ordering things from home)<br />
* Day planner<br />
* Nalgene water bottle<br />
* Sunglasses/visor<br />
* Bedsheets<br />
* Towels</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/MicronesiaMicronesia2011-12-26T17:58:57Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{CountryboxAlternative<br />
|Countryname= Micronesia<br />
|CountryCode = fm<br />
|status = [[ACTIVE]]<br />
|Flag= Flag_of_Micronesia.svg<br />
|Welcomebooklink = http://www.peacecorps.gov/welcomebooks/fmwb401.pdf<br />
|Region= [[Pacific Islands]]<br />
|CountryDirector= [[David Reside]]<br />
|Sectors= [[Youth and Community Development]]&lt;br&gt;[[Natural Resources Conservation]]<br />
|ProgramDates= [[1966]] - [[Present]]<br />
|CurrentlyServing= 80<br />
|TotalVolunteers= 4146<br />
|Languages= [[Chuukese]], [[Halls Island]], [[Kapinga-marangi]], [[Kosraean]], [[Namonuito]], [[Nukuoro]], [[Palauan]], [[Pingilapese]], [[Pohnepeian]], [[Sapwuafik]], [[Satawalese]], [[Ulithian]], [[Woleain]], [[Yapese]]<br />
|Map= Fm-map.gif<br />
|stagingdate= Sep 1 2010<br />
|stagingcity= Honolulu<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace Corps/Micronesia serves two countries: The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of Palau, comprising a total population of approximately 170,000. The combined land mass, with its extraordinary reefs and rain forests, includes over 900 islands of which about 600 &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/qkYud&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] are inhabited. While the combined land mass is less than the size of Rhode Island, the geographic span is over 3,000 miles in the northwestern Pacific. The Peace Corps/Micronesia program began in November 1966.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps History==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[History of the Peace Corps in Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps program in Micronesia began in 1966. At the program’s peak size in 1968, 700 Volunteers were assigned to Micronesia, which included the Republic of Palau, FSM, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Marshall Islands. The first group of Volunteers taught English at all educational levels, and a cadre of Volunteer legal advisors soon followed. The Volunteer legal advisors assisted the then U.S. trust &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/List_of_resources_for_Swaziland&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] territory in its quest for independence. In the 1970s, the Peace Corps moved into agriculture, health, community development, and cooperative management projects. The early 1980s saw Volunteers working in water and sanitation, forestry, and fisheries.<br />
<br />
The formation of FSM in 1986 resulted in a reassessment of Peace Corps programming, and Volunteer activities were consolidated. Dual assignments were developed, and all Volunteers taught English in primary schools and also worked in other activities specified by their sponsoring state government agency. In the 1990s, the programming strategy moved from state-specific to national projects. Concurrently, programming shifted from being focused on English as a second language to projects in a wide range of technical areas, such as library development, health education, sports development, youth group development, marine resource management, environmental education, watershed management, and small business development. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
Volunteers in Micronesia are required to live with a host family for training and for the entire two years of service. Many Volunteers find it a challenge to adjust from the independent living they are used to. Household rules, especially for women, are likely to feel very restrictive compared to life in the United States. Yet the rewards tend to be immense. Almost all life in Micronesia revolves around the family, and being “adopted” into a family gives a Volunteer a vehicle to becoming part of the local community. Micronesians live with extended family, and find it extremely odd for anyone to live alone. Living with a family makes it easier to learn the language, provides unique opportunities to become part of the culture, and ensures a safer and more secure environment. Much of a Volunteer’s life in Micronesia is based on interactions with the host family, and these interactions help facilitate community entry. Married couples also live with a family for their entire service.<br />
<br />
If you serve on a main island, you will likely live with a family in a small village. On main islands host family sites range from a two-hour drive to the capital to right near the city. Peace Corps/Micronesia is committed to focusing on rural communities. Living in the more rural villages is a very different experience from living in one very close to the capital town. On main islands, you may be surprised by how spread-out houses in a village tend to be. On outer islands, space and land is more limited. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Training==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Training in Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
When you first join us in Pohnpei, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia, you will participate in approximately nine weeks of pre-service training (PST). PST will help you to learn about your host country and island, learn about what it will be like to be a Peace Corps Volunteer in FSM/Palau, and learn about yourself.<br />
<br />
The goals of Peace Corps/Micronesia’s training program are to give you a “jump start” in learning about the culture and language of your host island, to help prepare you for community entry into the community in which you will serve, and to train you to be an effective observer/cultural student. PST helps prepare Volunteers to be development facilitators who can help their community prioritize local needs and desires and help initiate efforts to address these needs. During PST, you will learn some skills that will help you begin to get comfortable in a classroom environment. You will be introduced to the concepts of capacity building and sustainable development; you will have the opportunity to learn about local organizations, institutions, and leaders; and you will start to meet community partners. The goal of pre-service training is to help you successfully start a learning process that will continue throughout your service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Micronesia. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Health Care and Safety==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Health care and safety in Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Because medical services may be inadequate or unavailable in some host countries, Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease.<br />
<br />
Peace Corps/Micronesia maintains its own health unit in Kolonia, Pohnpei, with a physician’s assistant and a full-time nurse. These medical officers provide or manage Volunteer healthcare. If you are assigned to another state or Palau, healthcare will be provided by professionals in the capital center or at remote sites.<br />
<br />
Volunteers must be prepared to use these providers and facilities for initial and follow-up care. Local hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities are typically very basic—smaller, older, and less well-kept and maintained than the U.S. norm. There are fewer supplies and equipment. Providers are typically a Micronesian medical officer or another foreign national trained in Fiji in basic medicine. Trained specialists are generally limited. Local care, including basic dental and gynecological care, will be accessed and utilized by Volunteers whenever possible. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Diversity and cross-cultural issues in Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
In Micronesia, as in other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyles, background, and beliefs will be judged in a cultural context very different from our own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Micronesia.<br />
<br />
In Micronesia, residents of lagoon and outer islands have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. Micronesians are justly known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. <br />
<br />
* Possible Issues for Female Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color<br />
* Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers<br />
* Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers<br />
* Possible Issues for Volunteers with Disabilities<br />
<br />
<br />
==Frequently Asked Questions==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[FAQs about Peace Corps in Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
* How much luggage will I be allowed to bring to Micronesia?<br />
* What is the electric current in Micronesia?<br />
* How much money should I bring?<br />
* When can I take vacation and have people visit me?<br />
* Will my belongings be covered by insurance?<br />
* Do I need an international driver’s license?<br />
* What should I bring as gifts for Micronesian friends and my host family?<br />
* Where will my site assignment be when I finish training, and how isolated will I be?<br />
* How can my family contact me in an emergency?<br />
* Can I call home from Micronesia?<br />
* Should I bring a cellular phone with me?<br />
* Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?<br />
<br />
<br />
==Packing List==<br />
<br />
''Main article: [[Packing list for Micronesia]]''<br />
<br />
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Micronesia and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. Although you can get almost everything you need in Micronesia, it is advisable to bring some essentials, find out what you really need once you are in-country, and then write home to have things sent to you. Having your family or friends buy what you need may be a little cheaper than buying things locally.<br />
<br />
* General Clothing<br />
* Men<br />
* Women<br />
* Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items<br />
* What Not To Bring:<br />
* Suggestions for gifts for Host Families<br />
<br />
==Peace Corps News==<br />
<br />
Current events relating to Peace Corps are also available by [[News | country of service]] or [[News by state|your home state]]<br />
<br />
''The following is automatic RSS feed of Peace Corps news for this country.''&lt;br&gt;&lt;rss title=on desc=off&gt;http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&amp;ned=us&amp;scoring=n&amp;q=%22peace+corps%22+%22micronesia%22&amp;output=rss|charset=UTF-8|short|date=M d&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
&lt;br&gt;'''[http://peacecorpsjournals.com PEACE CORPS JOURNALS]'''&lt;br&gt;''( As of {{CURRENTDAYNAME}} {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}} )''&lt;rss title=off desc=off&gt;http://peacecorpsjournals.com/rss/fm/blog/50.xml|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10&lt;/rss&gt;<br />
<br />
==Country Fund==<br />
<br />
Contributions to the [https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.donors.contribute.projDetail&amp;projdesc=401-CFD Micronesia Country Fund] will support Volunteer and community projects that will take place in Micronesia. These projects include water and sanitation, agricultural development, and youth programs.<br />
<br />
==See Also==<br />
* [[Friends of Micronesia]]<br />
* [[List of resources for Micronesia]]<br />
* [[Pre-Departure Checklist]]<br />
* [[Inspector General Reports]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Micronesia]] [[Category:The Pacific Islands]]<br />
[[Category:Country]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Health_care_and_safety_in_BoliviaHealth care and safety in Bolivia2011-12-26T17:58:43Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Health_care_and_safety_by_country}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to disease. Peace Corps/Bolivia maintains a clinic in the Cochabamba office with a full-time and several part-time medical officers who take care of Volunteers’ primary healthcare needs. Additional medical services, such as &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/qkYud&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] testing and basic treatment, are also available in Bolivia at local, American-standard laboratories, clinics, and hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to the closest American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United States. <br />
<br />
===Health Issues in Bolivia===<br />
<br />
Altitude sickness, malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease, infectious diarrhea, tuberculosis, and hepatitis are among the diseases that commonly occur in the Bolivian population. Preparing for and adjusting to altitude is discussed in detail at the end of this section. <br />
<br />
Because malaria is endemic in some areas of Bolivia, taking an antimalarial medication and sleeping inside a mosquito net are mandatory for Volunteers assigned to those regions. Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of some species of sand flies, can be prevented by wearing protective clothing and insect repellent and avoiding the outdoors when sand flies are most active (dusk to dawn). Chagas’ disease, which is transmitted via the bite of a reduviid bug, is also endemic in many areas of Bolivia. This disease can also be prevented by sleeping in a mosquito net (provided by Peace Corps) and by living in a house with well-plastered walls and screened doors and windows. <br />
<br />
Following instructions to ensure that your food and water are fresh and cleaned appropriately will help you avoid stomach bacteria and intestinal parasites. You may also be exposed to colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Taking standard precautions (e.g., washing your hands frequently, taking the provided vitamins, etc.) will reduce your risk of becoming ill. <br />
<br />
===Altitude Sickness===<br />
<br />
Approximately 25 percent of people arriving in La Paz or other high-altitude locations experience an unpleasant period of acclimatization that may persist for a few days. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress, and insomnia. Although there seems to be a genetic predisposition to altitude sickness, it is not possible to tell in advance who will have problems. Those &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/April_1985&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] who have had previous difficulties are likely to have similar problems each time they go to altitudes above 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Those with preexisting medical problems or respiratory infections such as colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia should delay travel until they are fully recovered. Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, angina pectoris, asthma, or emphysema should see a physician for clearance prior to visiting high altitudes. La Paz is at almost 12,000 feet, while Cochabamba, site of the training center and Peace Corps office, is at 8,000 feet. <br />
<br />
There are two approaches to minimizing the unpleasant symptoms of altitude sickness: taking prophylaxis prior to arrival and treating symptoms after arrival. The health unit at the U.S. embassy in La Paz recommends that adults take 125 milligrams of the prescription drug Diamox (acetazolamide) by mouth twice a day for two days prior to travel, on the day of flight, and for three days after arrival. (Diamox is not recommended if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.) <br />
<br />
Whether or not you take Diamox prior to traveling to Bolivia, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent or treat altitude sickness after your arrival: <br />
<br />
# Drink plenty of fluids. You need considerably more fluids than your normal intake. Avoid alcoholic drinks initially, and drink only in moderation after several days. Limit carbonated drinks, or allow them to go flat before drinking them. Limit mineral water because of the high salt content. Gatorade can be very helpful, since it provides fluid and electrolytes. <br />
# Reduce food intake. Frequent small, light meals are best. Physicians in Bolivia recommend increasing carbohydrate intake (e.g., pasta and potatoes) and eating desserts or candy. <br />
# Limit your activities. Although you should avoid overexertion, the frequently given advice to lie down during the initial hours at high altitude can actually increase a headache if overdone. Athletic adults are more likely to develop serious complications, so avoid intense physical activity until you are well adapted. <br />
# Use recommended medications if necessary. Other than Diamox, acetaminophen or aspirin (two tablets every four hours) taken with a full glass of water is the best medicine for an altitude headache. Avoid other medications for what is commonly known as “soroche,” such as Coramine, Micoren, or diuretics other than Diamox. They can increase symptoms or even be dangerous. Coca tea cannot be used in any form for altitude sickness or for rehydration. <br />
# It is unlikely that you will need oxygen, but if you experience shortness of breath or a severe headache, inform the Peace Corps medical officer or any staff member immediately. <br />
<br />
===Helping You Stay Healthy===<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon your arrival in Bolivia, you will receive a medical handbook. At the end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first-aid needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter. <br />
<br />
During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the training center medical officer. However, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace Corps will not order these items during training. Please bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they may not be available here and it may take several months for shipments to arrive. Also, please try to switch to generic forms of any medications you take before coming to Bolivia. <br />
<br />
You will have physicals midway through your service and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious medical problem during your service, the medical officer in Bolivia will consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in Bolivia, you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care. <br />
<br />
===Maintaining Your Health===<br />
<br />
As a Volunteer, you must accept a certain amount of responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage “An ounce of prevention ...” becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United States. Your most important responsibility in Bolivia is to take preventive measures to avoid altitude sickness, malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease, food- and waterborne intestinal disorders, respiratory illnesses, alcohol- and drug-related problems, STDs, skin disorders, minor injuries, and sunburn and heatstroke. <br />
<br />
Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. These include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A, dysentery, tapeworms, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in Bolivia during pre-service training. <br />
<br />
Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and other STDs. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen the risk, use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more information from the medical officer about this important issue. <br />
<br />
Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available without charge from the medical officer. <br />
<br />
It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for scheduled immunizations and that you let your medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses and injuries. <br />
<br />
===Women’s Health Information===<br />
<br />
Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require medical attention but also have programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical and programmatic standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met. <br />
<br />
If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase at your site or the closest departmental capital, the Peace Corps medical officer in Bolivia will provide them. If you require a specific feminine hygiene product, please bring a three-month supply with you. <br />
<br />
===Your Peace Corps Medical Kit===<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a medical kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office. <br />
<br />
====Medical Kit Contents====<br />
<br />
Ace bandages &lt;br&gt;<br />
Adhesive tape &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antacid tablets &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Band-Aids &lt;br&gt;<br />
Calamine lotion &lt;br&gt;<br />
Cough suppresant tablets &lt;br&gt;<br />
Condoms &lt;br&gt;<br />
Dental floss &lt;br&gt;<br />
Diphenhydramine HCL 25&amp;nbsp;mg (Benadryl) &lt;br&gt;<br />
American Red Cross First Aid &amp; Safety Handbook &lt;br&gt;<br />
Eye wash &lt;br&gt;<br />
Gauze pads &lt;br&gt;<br />
Hydrocortisone Cream &lt;br&gt;<br />
Ibuprofren 200&amp;nbsp;mg. tablets &lt;br&gt;<br />
Insect repellent &lt;br&gt;<br />
Iodine tablets (for water purification) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Latex gloves &lt;br&gt;<br />
Lip moisturizer with SPF 15 &lt;br&gt;<br />
Oral rehydration salts &lt;br&gt;<br />
Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Pepto Bismol tablets &lt;br&gt;<br />
Pseudoephedrine HCL 30&amp;nbsp;mg (Sudafed) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Scissors &lt;br&gt;<br />
Sterile gauze pads &lt;br&gt;<br />
Tinactin (antifungal cream) &lt;br&gt;<br />
Tylenol &lt;br&gt;<br />
Tweezers &lt;br&gt;<br />
Whistle &lt;br&gt;<br />
<br />
===Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist===<br />
<br />
If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or dental—since you submitted your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose existing or new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your records. <br />
<br />
If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services. <br />
<br />
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physician’s office, obtain a copy of your immunization record, and bring it with you to Bolivia. If you have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment shortly after you arrive in Bolivia. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure. <br />
<br />
Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-thecounter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this three-month supply, it will order refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you will be dependent on your own medication supply. Although the Peace Corps will provide you with multivitamins, it will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements. <br />
<br />
You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs. <br />
<br />
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. We discourage you from using contact lenses during your service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical Services has given approval. <br />
<br />
If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your future participation in health-care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary healthcare from the time you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the post-service healthcare benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age or preexisting conditions might prevent you from reenrolling in your current plan when you return home. <br />
<br />
===Safety and Security—Our Partnership===<br />
<br />
Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. <br />
<br />
Property thefts and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service without serious personal safety problems. In addition, more than 84 percent of Volunteers surveyed in the 2004 Peace Corps Volunteer Survey say they would join the Peace Corps again. <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you. This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care and Safety. All of these sections include important safety and security information. <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to function in the safest and most secure way possible, because working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we teach you to identify and manage the risks you may encounter. <br />
<br />
===Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk===<br />
<br />
There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s control. Based on information gathered from incident reports worldwide in 2004, the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for assaults. Assaults consist of personal crimes committed against Volunteers, and do not include property crimes (such as vandalism or theft). <br />
<br />
* Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers were in public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public buildings). Specifically, 43 percent of assaults took place when Volunteers were away from their sites. <br />
* Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the weekend during the evening between 5:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.— with most assaults occurring around 1:00 a.m. <br />
* Absence of others: Assaults usually occurred when the Volunteer was unaccompanied. In 82 percent of the sexual assaults the Volunteer was unaccompanied and in 55 percent of physical assaults the Volunteer was unaccompanied. <br />
* Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the Volunteer did not know the assailant. <br />
* Consumption of alcohol: Forty percent of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers and/or assailants. <br />
<br />
===Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk===<br />
<br />
Before and during service, your training will address these areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face. <br />
<br />
For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ: <br />
<br />
&lt;u&gt;Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft: &lt;/u&gt;<br />
<br />
* Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for travel <br />
* Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance <br />
* Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency <br />
* Carry valuables in different pockets/places <br />
* Carry a “dummy” wallet as a decoy Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary: <br />
* Live with a local family or on a family compound <br />
* Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock box or trunk <br />
* Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S. <br />
* Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home security <br />
<br />
&lt;u&gt;Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault: &lt;/u&gt;<br />
<br />
* Make local friends <br />
* Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs; don’t draw negative attention to yourself by wearing inappropriate clothing <br />
* Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors <br />
* Travel with someone whenever possible <br />
* Avoid known high crime areas <br />
* Limit alcohol consumption <br />
<br />
===Support from Staff===<br />
<br />
In March 2003, the Peace Corps created the Office of Safety and Security with its mission to “foster improved communication, coordination, oversight, and accountability of all Peace Corps’ safety and security efforts.” The new office is led by an Associate Director for Safety and Security who reports to the Peace Corps Director and includes the following divisions: Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security; Information and Personnel Security; Emergency Preparedness, Plans, Training and Exercise; and Crime Statistics and Analysis. <br />
<br />
The major responsibilities of the Volunteer Safety and Overseas Security Division are to coordinate the office’s overseas operations and direct the Peace Corps’ safety and security officers who are located in various regions around the world that have Peace Corps programs. The safety and security officers conduct security assessments; review safety trainings; train trainers and managers; train Volunteer safety wardens, local guards, and staff; develop security incident response procedures; and provide crisis management support. <br />
<br />
If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure that the Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff provides support by reassessing the Volunteer’s work site and housing arrangements and making any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident. <br />
<br />
The country-specific data chart below shows the incidence rates and the average number of incidents of the major types of safety incidents reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/ trainees in Bolivia as compared to all other Inter-America and Pacific region programs as a whole, from 2001–2005. It is presented to you in a somewhat technical manner for statistical accuracy. <br />
<br />
To fully appreciate the collected data below, an explanation of the graph is provided as follows: <br />
<br />
The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. <br />
<br />
It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and trainee years (or V/T years, which is a measure of 12 full months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to compare crime data across countries. An “incident” is a specific offense, per Peace Corps' classification of offenses, and may involve one or more Volunteer/trainee victims. For example, if two Volunteers are robbed at the same time and place, this is classified as one robbery incident. <br />
<br />
The chart is separated into eight crime categories. These include vandalism (malicious defacement or damage of property); theft (taking without force or illegal entry); burglary (forcible entry of a residence); robbery (taking something by force); minor physical assault (attacking without a weapon with minor injuries); minor sexual assault (fondling, groping, etc.); aggravated assault (attacking with a weapon, and/or without a weapon when serious injury results); and rape (sexual intercourse without consent). <br />
<br />
When anticipating Peace Corps Volunteer service, you should review all of the safety and security information provided to you, including the strategies to reduce risk. Throughout your training and Volunteer service, you will be expected to successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas including safety and security. Once in-country, use the tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and secure as possible. <br />
<br />
===What if you become a victim of a violent crime?===<br />
<br />
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of violent crimes. The Peace Corps will give you information and training in how to be safe. But, just as in the U.S., crime happens, and Volunteers can become victims. When this happens, the investigative team of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is charged with helping pursue prosecution of those who perpetrate a violent crime against a Volunteer. If you become a victim of a violent crime, the decision to prosecute or not to prosecute is entirely yours, and one of the tasks of the OIG is to make sure that you are fully informed of your options and help you through the process and procedures involved in going forward with prosecution should you wish to do so. If you decide to prosecute, we are here to assist you in every way we can. <br />
<br />
Crimes that occur overseas, of course, are investigated and prosecuted by local authorities in local courts. Our role is to coordinate the investigation and evidence collection with the regional security officers (RSOs) at the U.S. embassy, local police, and local prosecutors and others to ensure that your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under the laws of the country. OIG investigative staff has extensive experience in criminal investigation, in working sensitively with victims, and as advocates for victims. We also, may, in certain limited circumstances, arrange for the retention of a local lawyer to assist the local public prosecutor in making the case against the individual who perpetrated the violent crime. <br />
<br />
If you do become a victim of a violent crime, first, make sure you are in a safe place and with people you trust and second, contact the country director or the Peace Corps medical officer. Immediate reporting is important to the preservation of evidence and the chances of apprehending the suspect. Country directors and medical officers are required to report all violent crimes to the Inspector General and the RSO. This information is protected from unauthorized further disclosure by the Privacy Act. Reporting the crime also helps prevent your further victimization and protects your fellow Volunteers. <br />
<br />
In conjunction with the RSO, the OIG does a preliminary investigation of all violent crimes against Volunteers regardless of whether the crime has been reported to local authorities or of the decision you may ultimately make to prosecute. If you are a victim of a crime, our staff will work with you through final disposition of the case. OIG staff is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. We may be contacted through our 24-hour violent crime hotline via telephone at 202.692.2911, or by e-mail at violentcrimehotline@peacecorps.gov. <br />
<br />
===Security Issues in Bolivia===<br />
<br />
When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace Corps, you have to be willing to adapt your behavior and lifestyle. <br />
<br />
Peace Corps/Bolivia has a strict out-of-site policy. You must also minimize the potential for being a target of crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does exist in Bolivia. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable and by taking precautions. Crime at the community or town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know each other and generally will not steal from their neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns, for instance, are favorite work sites for pickpockets and scam artists. <br />
<br />
Extreme poverty and a poor economy have led to an increase in petty crimes in Bolivia. It is important to be especially alert and cautious in bus terminals, taxis, and other places frequented by travelers. Sessions will be held during training about common robbery scams and how to avoid them. For both economic and social reasons, harassment (especially sexual harassment) and assaults have also increased. Almost all recent incidents of harassment or assault of Volunteers have involved alcohol consumption by either the Volunteer or the assailant. Volunteers, especially women, should avoid going out alone, particularly at night and in larger communities. <br />
<br />
===Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime===<br />
<br />
You must be prepared to take on a large responsibility for your own safety. Only you can make yourself less of a target, ensure that your home is secure, and develop relationships in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. In coming to Bolivia, do what you would do if you moved to a new city in the United States: Be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can significantly reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Bolivia may require that you accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle. <br />
<br />
Volunteers attract a lot of attention in large cities and at their sites, but they are likely to receive more negative attention in highly populated centers than at their sites, where “family,” friends, and colleagues look out for them. While whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, avoid culturally inappropriate eye contact, and do not respond to unwanted attention. In addition, keep your money out of sight by using an undergarment money pouch, the kind that stays hidden under your shirt or inside your coat. Do not keep your money in outside pockets of backpacks, in coat pockets, or in fanny packs. And always walk with a companion at night. <br />
<br />
===Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer Support in Bolivia===<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your two-year service and includes the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Bolivia’s in-country safety program is outlined below. <br />
<br />
The Peace Corps/Bolivia staff will keep you informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided via publications, meetings, and other methods. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be contacted through the emergency communication network. <br />
<br />
Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Bolivia. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other components of training. <br />
<br />
Volunteers are required to live with a Bolivian family at their assigned sites for the duration of their service. Certain site selection criteria are used to find safe housing. The Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before a Volunteer’s arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and work sites. Site selection is based in part on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; housing options and living arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs. <br />
<br />
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Bolivia’s detailed emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you visit your assigned site during training, you will complete a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to your home stay house. If there is a security threat, you will gather with other Volunteers in Bolivia at predetermined locations until the situation is resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate. <br />
<br />
Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers fully comply with Peace Corps/Bolivia’s out-of-site policy and notification system, and immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps medical officer. The Peace Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers. <br />
<br />
[[Category:Bolivia]]<br />
[[Category:Health and Safety]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/History_of_the_Peace_Corps_in_South_AfricaHistory of the Peace Corps in South Africa2011-12-26T17:58:37Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{History_of_the_Peace_Corps_by_country}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Peace Corps arrived in South Africa at a historic and critical juncture in the country’s history. At a White House ceremony in October 1994, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela met to seal a bond of friendship and a promise to work together to transform South Africa from a divided nation to one united by its commitment to build a democratic, nonracially based society. The Peace Corps was a small but important part of that agreement. The first group of 35 Volunteers arrived in January 1997 to work in the education sector. Since that time, more than 200 Volunteers have served or are serving in South Africa. In 2001, Peace Corps/South Africa responded to the &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/qkYud&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] government’s request to join in a partnership against HIV/AIDS. In addition to serving as resources for primary school educators, Volunteers now assist local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in building their capacity to meet the demands of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Currently, about 85 Volunteers work in education and with NGOs. <br />
<br />
===History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in South Africa ===<br />
<br />
Peace Corps/South Africa focuses on two main areas of vital need: education and NGO development. Within these areas, projects have evolved based on project assessments and the needs of the government, organizations, and communities with which we work. Currently, Volunteers are working in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal provinces. <br />
<br />
Peace Corps/South Africa began implementing its school and community resource project in 1997. Volunteers work with district and circuit educational offices to instill a culture of learning, teaching, and service in schools and disadvantaged communities. To be most effective, this project operates in predominantly black, rural primary schools in villages and townships. <br />
<br />
Each school resource Volunteer works with a cluster of three or four schools serving 40 to 50 teachers and administrators. Volunteers are placed at the primary school level, where they facilitate the understanding and skills of teachers involved in the continued rollout of the new national outcomes-based curriculum, aid school management teams in building capacities related to effective administration, and seek to &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Health_care_and_safety_in_Bolivia&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] creatively involve parents and community members in a mutually reinforcing relationship with schools. In addition, school resource Volunteers are involved in activities to help their communities, such as environmental projects, HIV/AIDS education, computer training, income-generating projects, and youth development. <br />
<br />
The NGO capacity-building project began in 2001 in response to the growing challenges that HIV/AIDS poses for the South African government and civil society. This project offers a unique opportunity to play a significant role in the development of peri-urban South Africa, putting Volunteers at the forefront of the country’s response to the epidemic. Volunteers are placed with NGOs in all four provinces to provide HIV/AIDS services at the grassroots level. <br />
<br />
The goal is to help these organizations become more effective and sustainable while increasing the provision of HIV/AIDS services to communities in need. Volunteers provide advice to NGOs on how to improve the quality and effectiveness of their programs and services, mentor NGO staff, and introduce or strengthen creative approaches to resource identification and mobilization.<br />
<br />
===Assignment History===<br />
<br />
{| border=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;<br />
|-<br />
| align=&quot;center&quot; | '''[[Sector]]''' || '''[[Assignment]]''' || '''[[Beg. Yr]]''' || '''[[End. Yr]]'''<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;4&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Business]]'''<br />
| [[Business Advising]]<br />
| [[1999]]<br />
| [[2004]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Business Development]]<br />
| [[2003]]<br />
| [[2004]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Computer Science]]<br />
| [[2002]]<br />
| [[2002]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[NGO Advising]]<br />
| [[1999]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Crisis Corps]]'''<br />
| [[Crisis Corps]]<br />
| [[2003]]<br />
| [[2003]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;6&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Education]]'''<br />
| [[English Teacher]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[English Teacher Trainer]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Prim-Ed/Teach Trn]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Science Teacher Trainer]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secondary-Ed Math]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Secondary-Ed Sci.]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Environment]]'''<br />
| [[Environmental Ed.]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
| [[2007]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;3&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Health]]'''<br />
| [[Health Degreed]]<br />
| [[2001]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Health Extension]]<br />
| [[2005]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Hygiene Ed/Sanitation]]<br />
| [[2006]]<br />
| [[2006]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;1&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[UNV]]'''<br />
| [[United Nations Volunteer]]<br />
| [[1996]]<br />
| [[1996]]<br />
|-<br />
| rowspan=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;| '''[[Youth and Community Development]]'''<br />
| [[Commun. Serv/Deg.]]<br />
| [[1997]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
| [[Youth Development]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
| [[2008]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:South Africa]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Training_in_ArmeniaTraining in Armenia2011-12-26T17:58:36Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Training_by_country}}{{Countrybar<br />
|Countryname= Armenia<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Pre-service training is approximately 10 weeks long. Training takes place six days a week and may include some evening sessions. Adequate time is allowed for leisure activities and outings with your host family. You will receive instruction in the Eastern Armenian language, cross-cultural adaptation skills, Armenian history and culture, personal safety awareness, technical skills related to your project, and medical topics. You will also receive important information about the administrative side of the Peace Corps as it relates to Volunteer allowances, responsibilities, and office policies. <br />
<br />
During training, you will live with an Armenian family in a village near the training site. This gives you the opportunity to practice your language skills and to develop &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/qkYud&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] cross-cultural understanding on a deeper level. Three meals a day will be provided by your host family. As mentioned earlier, host family accommodations vary depending on the community; regardless of the situation, you will live as the majority of the other members of your community. <br />
<br />
During training, you will be evaluated on how well you adapt to the culture, learn the language, and interact with Armenians and on your degree of professionalism. The Peace Corps staff will make every effort to provide the support necessary to ensure your successful completion of training. You must meet the minimum training requirements by the end of pre-service training to be sworn in as a Volunteer. <br />
<br />
====Technical Training====<br />
<br />
Technical training prepares you to work in Armenia by building on the skills you already have and by helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps staff, Armenian experts, and current Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training places great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer. <br />
<br />
Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Armenia and strategies for working within such a framework. You will review your technical sector’s goals and will meet with the Armenian ministries and agencies that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. <br />
<br />
====Language Training====<br />
<br />
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during your service. These skills are critical to your job &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Kenya&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] performance, they help you integrate into your host community, and they can ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. Armenian language instructors teach formal language classes in small groups of four to five people. The Armenian language is also introduced in the health, cultural, and technical components of training. <br />
<br />
Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social communication skills so that you can practice and develop language skills further once you are at your site. <br />
<br />
Prior to being sworn-in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language studies throughout your two years of service. <br />
<br />
====Cross-Cultural Training====<br />
<br />
The experience of living with an Armenian host family is designed to ease your transition to life at your site. Families go through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of pre-service training and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Armenia. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting friendships with their host families. <br />
<br />
Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve your communication skills and understand your role as a facilitator of development. You will be exposed to topics such as appropriate ways to enter a community and establish productive relationships, gender and development, nonformal and adult education strategies, political structures, art, literature, and history. <br />
<br />
====Health Training====<br />
<br />
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and information. You will be expected to practice preventive healthcare and to take responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include preventive health measures and minor and major medical issues that you might encounter while in Armenia. Nutrition, mental health, safety and security, setting up a safe living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered. <br />
<br />
====Safety Training====<br />
<br />
During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service. <br />
<br />
===Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service===<br />
<br />
In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace Corps has implemented a training system that provides Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-cultural skills. During your service, there are usually three training events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows: <br />
<br />
* In-Service Training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, and project development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three to six months. <br />
* Mid-Service Conference: Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and planning for their second year of service. <br />
* Close-of-Service Conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their respective projects and personal experiences. The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Armenia]] [[Category:Training|Armenia]]</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Secondary_School_Science_LabSecondary School Science Lab2011-12-26T17:43:40Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Project<br />
|project=Secondary School Science Lab <br />
|projecttype=PCPP<br />
|country=Tanzania<br />
|firstname=A<br />
|lastname=Tompsett<br />
|state=Wisconsin<br />
|communityfunds=$4965<br />
|communitypercentage=49%<br />
|requestedfunds=$4994<br />
|neededfunds=$4994<br />
|projectnumber=621-186<br />
|projectyear=2009<br />
}}<br />
The 610 students at a government secondary school located in rural Tanzania come from primarily poor, agricultural families with little education. The students enjoy studying art and science subjects, including biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The Tanzanian national syllabi and exams require students to perform science experiments; however, currently the school lacks a laboratory facility.<br />
<br />
The school’s students, teachers, and community leaders are requesting assistance to build a science laboratory. The students and teachers will use the laboratory facility &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/oj60r&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] to perform various experiments and engage in the process of scientific exploration. The laboratory facility will allow students and teachers to complement classroom learning with practical, hands-on activities.<br />
<br />
The school community as well as local &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Living_conditions_and_volunteer_lifestyles_in_Swaziland&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] governments and residents of surrounding villages have committed to providing 50% of the funds and material required for this project. However, they are unable to raise the additional 50% required to complete the proposed laboratory facility. Therefore, the school and village leaders are seeking assistance.<br />
<br />
The teachers hope the construction of a laboratory will help provide students a greater chance for success in school, and, as such, a greater chance for success in life. Please consider helping to make this chance for success a reality.<br />
<br />
Please help support these students. Your help is greatly appreciated. Asanteni sana!</div>Zoe23http://peacecorpswiki.org/Packing_list_for_BeninPacking list for Benin2011-12-26T17:43:00Z<p>Zoe23: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Packing lists by country}}<br />
<br />
These lists have been compiled by Volunteers serving in<br />
[[Benin]] and are based on their experiences. Use it as an<br />
informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that<br />
experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You can<br />
always have &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://goo.gl/oj60r&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] things sent to you later. You obviously cannot<br />
bring everything we mention, so consider those items that<br />
make the most sense to you personally and professionally.<br />
As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an<br />
80-pound weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you<br />
can get almost everything you need in Benin. Clothing can<br />
very easily be tailor-made from local fabrics. Second-hand<br />
clothing is also very popular across Benin and is available in<br />
many markets. It is not necessary to bring a large amount of<br />
clothing. Nice-quality shoes and sandals can also be made in country.<br />
Luggage should be durable, lightweight, and easy to carry as you will be responsible for transporting it in-country.<br />
Duffel bags and backpacks without frames work well. A good<br />
backpack is priceless because you will likely travel in-country<br />
regularly. Almost &lt;span class=&quot;plainlinks&quot;&gt;[http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/South_Africa_Expand_the_Band&lt;span style=&quot;color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;&quot;&gt;century 21 broker properti jual beli sewa rumah Indonesia&lt;/span&gt;] all the basic items you need can be found<br />
here; however, they may not be good quality or they may be<br />
expensive. So, if you are particular about something, bring<br />
lots!<br />
<br />
==Necessities==<br />
* Two sturdy water bottles (e.g., Nalgene) or camelback<br />
* Nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries (the longest lasting)<br />
* Battery charger—solar powered or plug in<br />
* Two pair prescription eyeglasses, consider prescription sunglasses as well<br />
* Flashlight or headlamp with batteries and replacement bulb<br />
* Two bathing suits (no bikinis for women)<br />
* Sunglasses<br />
* English dictionary (TEFL)<br />
* Comfortable shoes (toe and ankle strap sandals like Tevas, Chacos are popular with volunteers; note: if you don't like them, but think you might wear them--you probably won't; so don't spend the money on them unless you really think you'll wear them.)<br />
* One pair of dress shoes<br />
* Good pair of tennis shoes<br />
* Business casual clothing in breathable fabrics (two outfits minimum for TEFL Volunteers) - no need to bring a suit or sport coat.<br />
* Plenty and durable cotton T-shirts (many Volunteers prefer darker colors)<br />
* Pants (of lightweight material)<br />
* Blouses/button-down shirts<br />
* Linen/cotton clothing (you can find linen and cotton here and get clothing made; dresses/skirts must be at least knee-length)<br />
* Hats/scarf/bandannas<br />
* Good sturdy bras (bring lots because hand washing wears them out)<br />
* Good underwear (bring a two-year supply; hand washing wears them out)<br />
* Sweater, sweatshirt, or long-sleeve shirt (one, two at most)<br />
* Workout clothes (if you work out). For women, shorts to the knee are a must, modest tank tops ok.<br />
* Pictures from home<br />
* USB flash drive (Peace Corps provides each volunteer with a 128 MB key but larger sizes are useful for backing things up)<br />
* Digital camera<br />
* Short-wave radio or World Space Radio<br />
* Duct tape, duct tape and more duct tape<br />
* Medium book bag (for three- to four-day trips)<br />
* Hairbrush or comb<br />
* Three-month supply of prescription drugs<br />
* Portable alarm clock<br />
* Leatherman or Swiss army knife (remember to pack in your suitcase as checked luggage)<br />
* Towel<br />
<br />
==Specifically for Women==<br />
* Your shoulders and knees need to be covered, so pack accordingly.<br />
* In the south and in some northern cities things are more liberal, so you can bring tank tops (not spaghetti straps).<br />
* Linen pants are great!<br />
<br />
==Not necessary but useful for some Volunteers==<br />
* Wall calendar<br />
* Adaptor (if bringing electrical appliances)<br />
* MP3 player<br />
* Plastic storage bags (e.g., Ziploc)<br />
* Yoga mat or Therm-a-Rest (for when you or a friend needs to sleep on the floor)<br />
* Money belt<br />
* Beauty products/ pampering things for de-stressing (if you use them)<br />
* Money (in large denominations, $50, $100, traveler’s checks, euros)<br />
* Your favorite pillow (ones here are not the greatest) or travel pillow<br />
* Spices/spice packets<br />
* Catalogue of clothing (to show to tailor to get copies made)<br />
* Good pens (if they are important to you)<br />
* Good flashlight <br />
TEFL-Specific Suggestions<br />
* Art supplies (markers, crayons, paints, construction paper, rubber cement, etc.)<br />
* Children’s books<br />
* World map/map of Africa (can get free from AAA if member)<br />
* Books on CD (there are computers at work stations and in some schools; they are smaller than books, easy to pack, and can be useful (e.g., encyclopedias, journals, etc.)<br />
* Stickers (can be easily sent here, too)<br />
<br />
==Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items==<br />
<br />
Almost every type of toiletry is available here, but some<br />
are quite expensive (such as deodorant, facial creams, and toners). If you prefer a certain<br />
brand name, stock up, but otherwise bring a three-month<br />
supply for the duration of training.<br />
<br />
* Hand wipes<br />
* Medical supplies if special medicine is taken or a preference on certain brands<br />
* Towel<br />
* Aloe-Vera<br />
* Tampons (small OB ones pack well or bring a diva cup because here they are expensive)<br />
* Good hair conditioner<br />
* Hair ties<br />
* Nail clippers, nail file<br />
* Contact lenses and enough solution for two years (Peace Corps does not recommend wearing contacts due to dusty conditions and does not provide solution)<br />
* Deodorant (note that deodorant salt crystals work well and could last your whole service; they’re small, too!)<br />
* Basic make-up<br />
* Facial soap<br />
<br />
==Kitchen==<br />
* Basic cookbook and favorite recipes<br />
* Packaged mixes (sauces, salad dressings, soups, Kool-Aid, etc.)<br />
* Most spices are available, but are expensive, so stock up if you like to cook (e.g., cinnamon, Italian spices, allspice, chili powder, curry)<br />
* Freeze-dried foods<br />
* Low-cal sweetener<br />
* Boxed macaroni and cheese<br />
* French press (if you like coffee)<br />
* Good-quality can opener<br />
* Good-quality potato peeler<br />
* Good-quality garlic press<br />
* Measuring cups and spoons<br />
* Good-quality knife<br />
* Pepper grinder<br />
* Any other small kitchen supplies that you like to use<br />
<br />
[[Category:Benin]]</div>Zoe23